Once you decide to divorce, the last thing you want is for your divorce to drag on and on. While a divorce, like any legal process, does take some time, there are some things you can do that will help speed things along:
Try to negotiate as much as possible together.
How long your divorce will take largely depends on whether your split is amicable or acrimonious. If you and your spouse can sit down together and hash out a fair and equitable property settlement, support, and visitation issues, this will save you both a lot of time and money. If you can only communicate through your attorneys, you increase the cost and duration of your case.
Use mediation.
Mediation gives you better control over the final outcome of your divorce without having to endure protracted litigation, which can be costly and time-consuming. In mediation, you and your spouse work things out with the help of a neutral third party — the mediator — in a private setting. Both of you can still have your own attorney to help you during the negotiation process and to review the final agreement before a judge signs off on it.
Put everything in writing.
All the decisions you and your spouse make during divorce negotiations need to be documented in writing to eliminate confusion when the final agreement is drafted. Divorce is a legal process, which means there is a lot of paperwork. Getting all your financial documents in order at the beginning of the process helps you reach an agreement more quickly.
Be honest.
Although it is illegal and can result in hurting your case if discovered, many divorcing spouses try to hide assets, usually prior to a divorce action that they know is going to occur. Bad actions by one spouse that negatively affect marital assets can lead to the other spouse receiving more than half of the assets, or the offending spouse being responsible for more of the marital debts. When it comes to divorce, honesty is the best (and most expedient) policy.
Make your children the priority.
Minimizing conflict not only helps your divorce go more quickly and smoothly, it is also what’s best for your children. The New Jersey family courts make child-related decisions based on the best interests of the child, and that should be your goal as well. Your children need the love and support of both their parents to thrive, so do everything you can to make peace with your ex for the sake of your children’s well being.
At Cistaro Law, we are not only concerned with your divorce today but also with your quality of life long after your case is over. Your family law issues deserve to be managed with dignity and respect. You can prepare to civilly resolve your divorce, heal, and move on with your life with a legal team that has helped individuals all over New Jersey to heal and prosper. Contact us today for your free consultation.