Getting Divorced “On The Papers”

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Getting Divorced “On The Papers”

In certain New Jersey counties, parties in an uncontested divorce action have the option of finalizing their divorce without appearing in court. This process of getting divorced by simply sending paperwork in to the court is known as divorce on the papers 

The length of time it takes to settle your case notwithstanding, once a complaint for divorce has been filed and properly served, and the parties have resolved all outstanding issues in their case and signed a Marital Settlement Agreement, they may proceed with divorcing on the papers. 

Generally, the plaintiff’s attorney will take the lead on preparing the necessary documents needed to file the divorce on the papers.  The following documents are required for submission: 

  1. A proposed Final Judgment of Divorce which states the judgment will be granted on the papers;
  2. The fully executed Marital Settlement Agreement, including, if applicable, child support guidelines and custody and parenting time agreement;
  3. Certifications from both parties stating their wish to have the divorce entered on the papers and incorporating the Marital Settlement Agreement. Additionally, these certifications state that each party entered into the Marital Settlement Agreement voluntarilyattesting to the cause of action, and that the residency requirements have been met;
  4. Certification of the wife requesting to resume her maiden name, if applicable; and
  5. Uniform Summary Support Order detailing child and spousal support obligations, if applicable. 

Once the judge has signed the Final Judgment of Divorce, each party will receive a filed copy with the judge’s signature and a gold seal, as well as a filed copy of the Marital Settlement Agreement. 

About DeTorres and DeGeorge Family Law

DeTorres and DeGeorge Family Law is a New Jersey based family law firm that has been helping New Jersey residents achieve the best possible results in their divorce for nearly 30 years. The DeTorres and DeGeorge Family Law team is always ready to fight for their clients’ rights – determined to help New Jersey families overcome legal challenges from start to finish. Our legal team, with over 65 years of combined experience, provides expert guidance on all family law and divorce-related matters, including custody and parenting time, alimony and child support, equitable distribution of assets, premarital agreements, post-divorce issues, executive compensation distribution, divorces for business owners, and divorce mediation. The firm has been recognized for its dedication and expertise in the industry by multiple local and national organizations, including Super Lawyers, Law Firm 500, and the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. Rosanne DeTorres, Managing Partner, is one of 150 lawyers certified as a matrimonial law attorney.

Rosanne S. DeTorres
Ms. DeTorres is the managing partner and co-founder of DeTorres & DeGeorge Family Law. She is also only one of 150 attorneys in the State of NJ that is certified by the NJ Supreme Court as a Matrimonial Law Attorney. Ms. DeTorres graduated...
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