What is The Fastest Way to get a Divorce in NJ?
Even though the New Jersey process for divorce is not among the slowest in the United States, the process can seem like forever when you want to move on. So-called “quickie divorces” are not always recommended because there can be loose ends that do not get tied up. Here are some ways to expedite the process while protecting your rights and interests.
What is No-Fault Divorce?
A no-fault divorce is one way to save couples time and money. For a no-fault divorce to be granted, both parties must have been living separately for at least 18 months and agree that there are irreconcilable differences in the marital relationship with no hope for reconciliation.
If both parties agree to a no-fault divorce, it is not necessary to claim fault and make the process more complicated. It is possible to get a divorce without a lawyer and in these situations, the spouses are called pro se litigants. Both can file paperwork and go to court but cannot get legal advice from court staff members. The likelihood of mistakes increases significantly because of this, so it is often best to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer.
Fault-based divorces are based on wrongdoings by one spouse – not irreconcilable differences. These divorces take longer. Grounds for a fault-based divorce in New Jersey include:
- Adultery
- Alcoholism or drug addiction
- Deviant sexual conduct performed without the consent of one spouse
- Extreme cruelty
- Imprisonment for 18 months
- Institutionalism for a mental illness for 24 months
- Willful desertion for at least 12 months
Should I Use a Mediator?
Divorcing spouses in New Jersey must participate in court-ordered mediation. During this time, a neutral third party will be assigned to work with the couple. Oftentimes, it is possible to come to agreements on larger issues like alimony, child support, child custody, and property division in mediation. Some mediators help couples work on smaller issues and then work toward the larger ones. It is possible for mediators to help to divorce couples avoid having to go to court; others may end up reconciling, but many cannot settle their differences. Every situation is different, but mediation is generally a worthwhile endeavor.
The Value of Open Communications
You may find it near impossible to have a productive conversation with your soon-to-be-ex, but open communications can help smooth things out. Refusing to talk to your spouse can lengthen the amount of time to resolve things, so if you get angry, wait until you have calmed down and try again. It is also important to choose your battles wisely. If you and your soon-to-be ex spouse can make it through mediation by communicating maturely and picking battles wisely, you can get to the intended result of a legal divorce and move on sooner.
The Marlton Divorce Lawyers at Goldstein & Mignogna, P.A. Provide Sound Legal Guidance to Divorcing Couples
To learn more about the possible legal routes to divorce, contact our experienced Marlton divorce lawyers at Goldstein & Mignogna, P.A. Complete our online form or call our Marlton, New Jersey at 856-890-9400 to schedule a confidential consultation. We help clients in South Jersey in Marlton, Burlington County, Camden County, and Gloucester County.
