Typically, a divorce matter is resolved in under a 1-year. Courts endeavor to have all matters resolved in that timeframe, and there are mechanisms like the Early Settlement Panel and post-economic mediation, built into the divorce process to assist you in doing so. There are many circumstances when a divorce matter is resolved swiftly, due to the reasonableness of the parties, and the simplicity of matters presented, allowing parties to be divorced in as short as a three month time period. There are certain other matters where the complexity of the case will require a full year of litigation, if not longer, should the parties require the Court to make determinations by way of a trial on all issues. Trials are infrequently conducted; however, it is a possibility.
The best way to ensure your case does not go to trial is to prepare a case as if it were. You should ensure you provide your attorney with any and all information they are seeking. You should ensure you are transparent with your attorney about facts and circumstances which may even be contrary to your own interests. Your attorney cannot be prepared to make skilled arguments to assist you, without knowing all the possible issues which might arise.
Meet deadlines set by your attorney because if those are not kept, it is likely adjournments may need to be sought, which will delay your matter’s resolution. As another example, you should discuss with your attorney reasonable resolution positions, and abide by your attorney’s advice on those issues. You can also seek the assistance of another third party such as a mediator to assist negotiations between you and your spouse’s positions. Again, listening to the considerable experience of a mediator will assist you and your spouse in reaching a swift and amicable resolution.
It is important to protect yourself during a divorce action and here at Shane and White we are committed to your matrimonial and family law needs. Please contact our office at 732-819-9100 to set up a consultation today. We will assist you by providing you with the information you need to resolve your case in a swift and amicable fashion, but will prepare your matter for trial in the event settlement is not possible.