It’s understandable if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on the divorce process. You shouldn’t rush into an agreement, but you can get a fast divorce if you are well-prepared and willing to try out alternatives to the courtroom. Our Morris County uncontested divorce attorneys can help you find ways to ensure that this process does not get unnecessarily dragged out.
What Can Help Me Prepare For a Fast Divorce?
First, it’s a good idea to have representation. An experienced divorce lawyer can tell you what to expect and how you can make this process go faster. They can also help ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines and that your responses to your spouse’s actions do not get delayed.
It’s also a good idea to get any documentation you might need together before you file for divorce. We’re talking about financial documents, titles and deeds, estate planning documents, and anything else that could relate to your marriage and divorce. It’s easier to get a fast divorce if you are organized and have all of the documents needed to negotiate about topics like property division and alimony.
Does the Type of Divorce Matter?
The type of divorce you go through can also make the difference here. There are two factors that can affect speed here. It matters whether your divorce is:
Fault or no-fault: In New Jersey you can get divorced and name a specific reason, or grounds, for the split. Common grounds for divorce include extreme cruelty, adultery, or drug addiction. If you choose a fault-based divorce, you need evidence of your accusation. That can make the process take longer. A no-fault divorce where you simply cite “irreconcilable differences” can go faster.
Contested vs. uncontested: A contested divorce is one where the two parties have multiple disagreements that need to be settled. An uncontested divorce is one where the two parties have essentially already reached an agreement. The sooner your divorce becomes an uncontested one, the easier it is to get a fast divorce.
Can Mediation or Arbitration Lead to a Fast Divorce?
If you want a fast divorce, it might be a good idea to explore alternatives to litigation. Going to court can be time-consuming and expensive. You also have to wait for a judge’s time to free up.
Mediation and collaborative divorce are alternatives that could allow you and your spouse to have discussions about important issues and come to agreements that work for both parties. Arbitration functions much like court, but it’s quicker and often limits appeals. If you’re worried about the speed and expense of a divorce, giving any of these methods a shot can be a smart move.
Meet With Our Legal Team
It’s important to have someone looking out for your best interests during this process. Contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, LLC to schedule a consultation with our lawyers and learn more about how we can help you get a fair, fast divorce.
