As with any difficult experience, individuals going through a divorce want the process over sooner rather than later. While this is certainly understandable, rushing the process can have serious consequences.Working with your attorney can help make sure that not only does your divorce get done quickly as possible, it gets done correctly.
The NJ Family Coury system has instituted a goal of having cases resolved within one year of the filing of a Complaint for Divorce. This is a reasonable and realistic goal in many situations. However, given the unique facts and variables of each case, some matters can be resolved quicker while others may extend beyond one year.
In my experience, it is the readiness or willingness of the litigants to move productively through the process (or not) that can have the greatest impact on the timeline of the case. Each party process the issues at their own pace and in their own manner. A case cannot settle until the parties are ready to settle. For those cases that cannot be settled, the need for a trial can greatly add to the time and expense of the divorce.
There are several tips I can offer on how to move through the divorce process as efficiently and effectively as possible. First, work with an attorney you feel comfortable with and trust. As attorneys, we frequently need to give our clients advice or news they may not want to hear. If you trust your counsel, it is easier to accept such information and you can be confident that it is being offered in your best interests.
Second, work with your attorney to establish your priorities and goals for the divorce. By doing so, you can both focus your energies and efforts on these select points and minimize distractions.
Third, understands no accept that a divorce is not a “winner take all” event. Each side will need to compromise on any number of issues. Developing your list of goals as suggested above can help define which issues you are more willing to compromise on in order to achieve your main objectives.
A divorce takes time and it will not always proceed on a clear and consistent trajectory. My goal is to navigate clients to the end as quickly, efficiently, and effectively as possible.
