How long does it take to serve divorce papers in NJ?

How long does it take to serve divorce papers in NJ?

If you have no issues at all (i.e. no children, no property, no debts) then the process can be completed in as little as 3-6 months. If you have complex issues and cannot work out an agreement with your spouse, your divorce may take up to 14 months and beyond to be completed.

What happens if you don’t respond to divorce papers?

The responding spouse needs to file an answer with the court within the deadline. When a spouse doesn't respond to a divorce petition, the person who failed to file the answer to the court will lose his or her rights to make arguments about property division, support, and child custody.

Do you have to file a response to divorce papers?

Legally, you do not have to respond to your spouse's divorce petition. In other words, the judge will base his decision about relevant legal matters on the information your spouse provides. For example, the judge may use your spouse's information to decide on the division of property, child support, or visitation.

What is the divorce process in New Jersey?

The first step in a New Jersey divorce action is for one spouse to file a complaint for divorce with the court. Some couples choose to engage in mediation or settlement negotiations first, but one spouse must file a complaint before the court will order a judgment of divorce.