How long does a divorce take is often the first question people ask when their marriage is ending, and the answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case and court schedules.
Knowing the steps involved can help you plan, reduce stress, and understand what to expect from start to finish. With proper guidance, you can navigate the process more smoothly and make informed decisions for your family.
Common Factors That Affect Divorce Timelines
How long does it take to get a divorce can vary widely depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested, as well as disputes over property, support, or custody.
Contested divorces generally take longer because disagreements require additional hearings, negotiations, and sometimes mediation. On the other hand, uncontested cases often move faster, especially when both spouses cooperate and provide complete documentation promptly.
Working with a Bergen County divorce lawyer can significantly reduce delays, as their familiarity with local court procedures ensures that filings and hearings are handled efficiently.
Filing for Divorce in New Jersey
The divorce process officially begins when a complaint is filed with the court, and many clients ask, How long does it take to file for divorce, especially if the paperwork is complicated.
Gathering financial records and personal documents and completing disclosure forms in advance helps ensure the filing is accurate and avoids delays later.
Once the complaint is filed, the other spouse must be formally served, which can take additional time if cooperation is limited.
Proper service starts the legal response period, and if the spouse does not respond, the divorce may proceed as uncontested, speeding up the timeline.
However, if disputes arise, the case becomes contested, which introduces additional steps like discovery and hearings. Understanding this initial stage helps clients anticipate how long the overall process may take.
How Long Does Divorce Take After Filing Papers
After papers are filed and served, the other spouse has 35 days to respond. If a response is filed, the case may enter negotiation or mediation to resolve disputes efficiently, whereas a lack of response allows the case to move forward faster.
Contested matters generally take longer, but they ensure fair outcomes regarding property division, support, and child custody.
Courts often encourage mediation to settle issues amicably, and this step can reduce emotional stress while saving time compared to a trial.
For example, parents frequently ask, “How long does divorce mediation take?” The answer depends on cooperation and scheduling availability. By resolving disagreements outside of court, families can often reach agreements more quickly and with less conflict.
Temporary Delays and Holds
Sometimes, a divorce may be temporarily paused due to personal circumstances, scheduling conflicts, or ongoing negotiations.
While courts allow limited delays, indefinite pauses are uncommon because judges expect steady progress toward resolution. Knowing this helps clients plan realistically and avoid unnecessary stress during the process.
Finalizing the Divorce
The final stage of a divorce involves either settling the case or proceeding to trial if disputes remain. This raises the question: How long does it take to finalize a divorce?
Uncontested cases can often be resolved in several months, while contested trials may take a year or longer, depending on complexity and court schedules.
Once the judge signs the final judgment, the marriage is legally ended, and orders regarding property, support, and custody become enforceable.
Being prepared, organized, and working with a knowledgeable attorney can shorten this timeline and ensure a smoother resolution.
Navigate Your Divorce With Confidence
Understanding the steps and factors affecting timing can make the divorce process less overwhelming, and if you are asking how long does a divorce take, guidance from an experienced attorney is essential.
Divorce & Family Lawyer Erlina Perez provides compassionate, knowledgeable support to help you move forward with confidence. Visit our website to learn more, call (201) 880-7070, or contact us to schedule a confidential consultation today.