Contrary to popular belief, divorce doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process involving multiple court appearances and a trial. There are numerous ways to avoid that outcome if you and your spouse can work together. If you want to avoid a court battle, please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced Middlesex County Divorce Lawyers who can help you navigate alternative options.
How Can I End My Marriage Without Going to Court in NJ?
When filing for divorce in New Jersey, it’s crucial to understand whether your case is contested or uncontested, as this distinction will shape the legal process ahead. If you and your spouse cannot resolve your disputed issues, you will have to go through a contested divorce. In a contested divorce, you will need to attend numerous court proceedings to handle internal issues and undergo a trial in which a judge reigns power over the decisions regarding the dissolution of your marriage. It’s important to understand that you cannot end your marriage without going to court when pursuing a contested divorce in New Jersey.
If you and your spouse can agree on all the terms that will apply to the termination of your marriage, you can pursue an uncontested divorce. When both spouses agree on all major issues such as property division, child custody alimony, and child support they don’t need to go to court. However, even with this divorce route, you may need to appear in court for the final hearing. If you would prefer to avoid going to court altogether, you should consider alternative dispute resolutions such as mediation or a collaborative divorce.
What Alternative Divorce Routes Should I Consider?
If you have exhausted all options to resolve your situation on your own, you can turn to the alternative dispute resolution method of mediation. Divorce mediation is a confidential process that involves you and your spouse attending sessions with a neutral third party who will help you resolve your differences and reach a mutually beneficial divorce agreement.
If mediation is not feasible, you can opt for a similar process known as a collaborative divorce. This process is structured differently as it doesn’t involve a mediator or other intermediary. Instead, each spouse has an attorney and participates in “four-way” sessions to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. If this process is successful, you can avoid the time, hassle, and expense of a trial. However, if you are unable to reach an agreement, you will have to initiate the formal divorce process.
As you can see, if you and your spouse can work together, you can end your marriage without going to court. If you are going through a divorce having a reputable, experienced divorce attorney in your corner is crucial. At Arndt, Sutak & Miceli, LLC, we are prepared to help you navigate this complex process and strive to make it as smooth as possible. Connect with our firm today to discuss your legal options.
