Once one spouse files for divorce, it creates an official court record and a “docket number” for the case. This action essentially puts the divorce in forward motion. Even if the other spouse opposes the divorce, responses will be required and court hearing dates will be assigned. The divorce is “on.”

But this still doesn’t mean that divorce is inevitable. Read more

When New Jersey’s COVID-19 stay at home orders went into effect in March, many divorcing spouses across the state found themselves in the not so ideal situation of needing to stay together under one roof.

These circumstances may have led some couples to consider reconciling. But for most, spending these last few months trapped together has been an uncomfortable purgatory, with the divorce process feeling scattered and stuck.

Have your divorce plans been derailed by COVID-19? Check out these 5 key action steps you can take to get your divorce moving again.  Read more

Almost every celebrity divorce is ripe for gossip. But since reality star Kristin Cavallari and former pro football player Jay Cutler announced their split last week, the pair has found themselves in a media firestorm of speculation over their marriage’s demise. 

What has put this particular celebrity divorce in the spotlight? It all stems from a very basic divorce mistake: Not understanding the privacy consequences of choosing certain grounds for divorce.  Read more

It is the thought keeping parents up at night: Who will take care of my children if I come down with COVID-19?

If you are married, you may be counting on your spouse to shoulder care duties. But what if you both fall ill with coronavirus? If you’re divorced, will your child’s co-parent be reliable or fully available? The answers aren’t always so clear. Read more

Looking to get a “quick divorce”? The state you live in — and the process you use for your divorce — can play a big role in how long it takes to legally say “I don’t.” 

In a new article published in Reader’s Digest, “If You Need a Divorce, These States Are the Fastest…and the Slowest,” family law expert Bari Z. Weinberger examines why divorce can lag in some states compared to others. Live in a state like California, Rhode Island, South Carolina or Arkansas? Find out why your divorce may up end up taking longer than those living in speedier states like Alaska, Nevada, New Hampshire and New Jersey.

However, just because you live in a “slow divorce” state doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do to expedite the divorce process. And if you live in a “speedier” state for divorce, you need to be aware of pitfalls that can still push you off the fast track. Below, find some of Bari’s favorite time-saving divorce tips — good for no matter where you live. Read more