In New Jersey, there is no real time limit to a divorce but it will end at some point even if it doesn’t seem like it. New Jersey courts are “graded” based upon how fast they move cases. The cut off mark for a New Jersey divorce case is one year. Of course, there are plenty of cases that drag on for two years or more. Thus, I would say the average case takes 9 to 12 months to settle.
However, in my practice, I prefer to settle cases in 3 to 6 months. I have settled cases in a matter of weeks, but that is a rare event. What really eats up a lot of time is the production of discovery. If both sides keep good records and can exchange all discovery in a few weeks, than most cases can settle within 3 months.
There is almost never a delay with the court. I can call up most judges and get into court within a week to put through a settlement. Courts are happy to move another case off the calendar. Thus, the length of your divorce case will depend, largely on you and your spouse. If you want it to move quickly, you can both make sure it will.
Jef Henninger, Esq. is a Monmouth County divorce attorney with offices in Eatontown, Red Bank and Freehold. If you are ready to divorce different, call the divorce different attorney today to discuss your Monmouth County divorce case.
