Can a contested divorce become uncontested?

Yes. Once you settle in writing, the court can finish the divorce on your agreement.

What is the Early Settlement Panel?

Every county runs one with the local bar. Experienced volunteers look at both sides' financial statements and suggest a settlement. It is a step in contested cases.

How long does a contested divorce take?

Longer. The courts count a divorce as backlog once it has been open more than 12 months, so they aim to finish before then. Contested cases use more of that time.

Is it still uncontested if my spouse won't sign?

Yes, as long as they don't answer and dispute it. Their signature is not needed.

Tri State Community Services LLCNewark, NJ · Se habla español

Main Office

1299 McCarter Highway (Route 21)
Newark, NJ 07104

(973) 643-0889

UNCONTESTED

$399 DIVORCE + Court Fee

Spouse's Signature Not Needed

Secondary Office

65 Walnut Street (Behind Prudential Center)
Newark, NJ 07102

(973) 732-7727

Contested vs uncontested divorce in New Jersey

Short answer

A divorce is uncontested when you agree on everything or your spouse doesn't respond. It becomes contested when your spouse files an answer that disputes custody, support or property. Contested cases add financial statements, a settlement panel and mediation.

Side by side

Topic	Uncontested	Contested
Your spouse	Doesn't answer, or agrees on everything	Files an answer and disputes something
Papers	Complaint, service, and settlement or default forms	Plus a Case Information Statement (finances) from each of you
Extra steps	None	Early Settlement Panel, then economic mediation; custody mediation if you disagree about the children
Going to court	Often none: the judge can finish it on the papers	Conferences and hearings until you settle or go to trial
Cost	$399 with us + $300 court fee	More court steps, and often lawyers' fees. Mediation after the first 2 free hours is paid by you and your spouse
Can it change?	Becomes contested if your spouse answers and disputes	Becomes uncontested once you settle in writing

Your spouse

Uncontested: Doesn't answer, or agrees on everything

Contested: Files an answer and disputes something

Papers

Uncontested: Complaint, service, and settlement or default forms

Contested: Plus a Case Information Statement (finances) from each of you

Extra steps

Uncontested: None

Contested: Early Settlement Panel, then economic mediation; custody mediation if you disagree about the children

Going to court

Uncontested: Often none: the judge can finish it on the papers

Contested: Conferences and hearings until you settle or go to trial

Cost

Uncontested: $399 with us + $300 court fee

Contested: More court steps, and often lawyers' fees. Mediation after the first 2 free hours is paid by you and your spouse

Can it change?

Uncontested: Becomes contested if your spouse answers and disputes

Contested: Becomes uncontested once you settle in writing

Which one is yours? Tick what's true.

A quick check, not legal advice.

Your result

Tick what applies to you.

Most people who come to us agree on most things already.

Call (973) 643-0889

Common questions

Agree on most things? Start there.

Walk in at either Newark office. Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–1pm.

Call (973) 643-0889 Get directions

Sources: R. 4:6-1; R. 5:5-2; R. 5:5-5; R. 5:5-6; R. 5:8-1; NJ Courts form CN 12620; NJ Judiciary Court Management Report, June 2025. General information, not legal advice.