What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in New Jersey?

    HACKENSACK, NJ, December 14, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Divorce is a difficult time for everyone involved. If both parties cannot reach an agreement about the division of assets or custody, this can make a difficult situation even more trying. When the couple getting divorced cannot reach an agreement, legal representation is a must.

However, what happens when both parties mutually agree to end the marriage and "think" they have all the issues worked out between them?

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce is when the parties involved are not in litigation over the terms of the divorce. Meaning all the issues are resolved to both parties' satisfaction. Assuming all the issues were even brought up, the cost of an alleged Uncontested divorce of course will be less than if the divorce is contested. But, oftentimes, you want an attorney to make sure neither you or your spouse missed an important issue that should be discussed, and you might want an attorney to at least review what you and your spouse think you agreed to.

Representing Yourself Will Not Save You Money
There is a common misconception that you can save money by representing yourself if you and your spouse agree on the division of your marital assets. However, what starts out as uncontested can often turn into a contested divorce due to disagreements that crop up. Plus, ensuring that the paperwork gets done timely and effectively is an important and critical step that should be taken seriously. There are a lot of Court requirements and Rules that you have to follow and not all of them are easily identifiable or clear just from a webpage. More times than not, the paperwork aspect can be as challenging as resolving the issues themselves. You stand the chance of having the Court kick back your paperwork because you didn't file it correctly or missed an important document or step. If you have a lot of the issues resolved but not all, then your matter is still technically considered Consented. Let an attorney shepherd you across the finish line on any unresolved issues, even if you narrowed down what those are.

Would Mediation Save Me Money?
A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates the decision-making process. They can help with decisions on how assets are divided, child support, and parenting time. A mediator does not represent your interests and cannot (and should not) give you or the other party legal advise; they get paid to settle the case between two parties. In New Jersey, a mediator is required to tell you to take the tentative agreement for an attorney to review before you sign. So, you end up in front of an attorney anyway. It is always best to loop in your counsel earlier in the process than at the end if you want that attorney to act as a legal advisor to you to address substantive issues instead of just a Scribner making sure the agreement is written correctly and reflects what you agreed to. One kind of representation is broader in scope and, as such, protects you better while the other is a very limited in scope and representation.

About Men's & Fathers' Rights Divorce Lawyers by Schultz & Associates, LLC
If you're looking to divorce and it's uncontested, we advise that you speak with a family law professional. Attorney Carrie S. Schultz, Esq. from Schultz & Associates says, "The end of any relationship is a cause for sadness, but we're here to support and guide you through the process, ensuring you emerge out the other side with your dignity intact and achieving a fair settlement for all."

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