If a divorce is imminent, you may wonder what legal avenues are available for dissolving your marriage. Due to its simplistic nature, an uncontested divorce is one of the most popular forms of divorce in New York. If you decide to pursue an uncontested divorce, you should consider how long this divorce route can take to resolve. Please continue reading to learn what factors can influence the time frame of an uncontested divorce in New York and how a knowledgeable Suffolk County Uncontested Divorce Attorney can help you make an informed decision on the best course of action given the unique circumstances of your situation.
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
If you are thinking about getting a divorce, you must understand the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce. Ending a marriage is an incredibly emotional process and some divorces are more complex than others. For your case to be uncontested, you will need to address all of the issues related to your marriage and come to a resolution. These issues include custody, child support, alimony, property division, etc. When couples vehemently disagree on marital issues, their divorce will be contested. While some couples can resolve their issues before trial they can avoid litigation. However, those who can’t will find themselves in front of a judge.
How Long Will it Take?
A contested divorce is typically more expensive and time-consuming because couples must present their case at trial. A judge will decide the terms that will apply to the termination of the marriage. An uncontested divorce can be finalized as soon as your joint paperwork is completed, filed, and approved by the court. However, depending on the court’s caseload, the uncontested divorce timeline in New York can take anywhere between three to six months. This divorce route is much quicker because it doesn’t require a court hearing. The terms that will apply to the termination of the marriage have already been decided and agreed upon. Essentially, there is nothing to resolve.
If you are looking for ways to expedite divorce proceedings, you should consider purusing an uncontested divorce or an alternative dispute resolution (ADR). If you opt for an uncontested divorce or an ADR method, you will retain more control over your divorce. That said, you should consider divorce mediation. You will work with a neutral third party who will create a separation agreement to resolve all outstanding issues. They will facilitate communication between parties. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t have the final say over the terms that will apply to the termination of the marriage. Their goal is to reach an agreement to avoid having their disputes settled by a judge.
At the Law Office of Susan A. Kassel, P.C., we are prepared to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Connect with us today to discuss the best divorce route given the unique circumstances of your situation.
