How long does an uncontested divorce take?
From signed agreement to final judgment, most uncontested divorces wrap up in a few months. Here's the realistic timeline — and what speeds it up or slows it down.
The short answer
Across New York, New Jersey, and Florida, an uncontested divorce typically takes four to eight months from signed agreement to final judgment. We can usually prepare and file your paperwork within a few weeks of intake; the rest of the timeline belongs to the court.
The three stages
- Prep & signing (a few weeks). You complete the questionnaire, your attorney drafts the complaint and settlement agreement, and both spouses sign and notarize.
- Filing & service. We file with the court and either serve the other spouse or file their signed acknowledgment.
- Court processing & judgment. The court reviews the package and the judge signs — the part most affected by each county's backlog.
By state
- New York: almost all uncontested cases finish with no court appearance. Timing is driven by county backlog — Kings, Queens, and the Bronx run slower than smaller counties.
- New Jersey: usually a short final hearing, often held virtually; many cases close in roughly three to five months.
- Florida: a brief final hearing is required (often virtual), so plan for the full four-to-eight-month range; we can appear on your behalf.
What slows it down — and what speeds it up
Delays usually come from an incomplete agreement, a spouse who won't sign or can't be found (which means a skip trace and possibly service by publication), missing financial disclosures (like New Jersey's new Case Information Statement), or a congested court calendar.
What moves it along: full agreement up front, complete and accurate paperwork, prompt responses to the court, and — if you're in a hurry — our rush-handling add-on. The single biggest lever is agreeing with your spouse before you file.
Not sure you're ready to file? Start with the 60-second check.
General information, current June 2026; court timelines vary. Not legal advice.