If you and your spouse have built a life together that includes significant assets — real estate, investments, business interests, retirement accounts — you probably already know that your divorce will be more involved than a simple split. But one of the first questions most people ask is: how long is this going to take? The honest answer is that it depends on many factors, and this article will walk you through the most important ones so you know what to expect.
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What Makes a High-Asset Divorce Different From a Typical Divorce
Not all divorces take the same amount of time. A high-asset divorce — meaning a divorce where the couple has significant wealth, property, or financial holdings — tends to take longer because there is simply more to sort through. The more assets there are, the more work is involved in identifying, valuing, and dividing them fairly.
In New Jersey, courts require full financial disclosure from both spouses. When that disclosure involves complex portfolios, business ownership, or multiple properties, the process naturally takes more time.
The Average Timeline: What to Realistically Expect
In New Jersey, an uncontested divorce (where both spouses agree on everything) can take as little as three to six months. A high-asset divorce, however, is rarely that straightforward. Depending on the level of disagreement and complexity, it can take anywhere from one to three years or longer.
This does not mean every case drags on for years. Some couples reach agreements more quickly, especially when both sides are willing to communicate and compromise. The more cooperative both parties are, the faster the process tends to move.
Key Factors That Affect How Long Your Divorce Will Take
Several specific issues can either speed up or slow down a high-asset divorce. Understanding these in advance can help you and your attorney plan more effectively.
The following are among the most common factors that influence the length of a high-asset divorce:
- Contested issues: If you and your spouse disagree on major points — such as how to split a business, who keeps the family home, or how much alimony (monthly financial support paid from one spouse to the other) should be paid — your case will likely take longer.
- Business valuation: If either spouse owns a business, a neutral financial professional called a forensic accountant may need to determine what that business is worth. This process alone can take months.
- Hidden assets: If one spouse is suspected of hiding money or underreporting income, the investigation required to uncover those assets adds significant time.
- Multiple properties: Owning more than one home, including vacation properties or investment real estate, means each must be appraised and addressed in the settlement.
- Retirement and investment accounts: Dividing retirement funds requires special legal documents and court approval, which adds steps to the process.
- Child custody and support: If you have children, reaching a parenting plan that works for everyone — and that a court will approve — takes careful negotiation.
Even when just a few of these factors are present, the overall timeline can stretch considerably. Working with an experienced Wyckoff divorce attorney from the start can help keep things moving as efficiently as possible.
The Role of Discovery in a High-Asset Divorce
One phase that often surprises people is called "discovery." This is the formal process where both sides exchange financial information and documents. Think of it as a required show-and-tell of your financial life.
In a high-asset case, discovery can be extensive. Both spouses may be required to share tax returns, bank statements, business records, investment account histories, and more. If either party is slow to respond or disputes the information provided, this phase alone can stretch on for months.
Can You Speed Things Up? Settlement Options to Know About
Fortunately, going to trial is not the only path forward. There are several ways to resolve a high-asset divorce more efficiently:
- Mediation: A neutral third party, called a mediator, helps both spouses reach agreements outside of court. Mediation is often faster and less expensive than a full trial, and it gives both parties more control over the outcome.
- Collaborative divorce: Both spouses and their attorneys agree to resolve all issues without going to court. Each party still has legal representation, but the focus is on cooperation rather than conflict.
- Negotiated settlement: Attorneys on both sides negotiate directly to reach a fair agreement, which can also avoid the delays associated with a court trial.
Choosing one of these paths does not mean giving up your rights. It simply means finding a way to resolve things that may be less adversarial and faster. Your attorney can help you decide which approach makes the most sense given your specific situation.
What Happens If Your Case Goes to Trial
If an agreement cannot be reached, a judge will decide the unresolved issues at trial. In New Jersey family courts, trial dates are not always available right away, and the wait itself can add months to your timeline. Once the trial begins, it may take additional weeks or months before a final decision is issued.
A court trial also means less control for both parties. The judge will make decisions based on New Jersey law and the facts presented — without necessarily knowing the nuances of your family's situation the way you do. That is why most high-asset divorces are resolved through some form of settlement before reaching this point.
How New Jersey Law Handles Asset Division
New Jersey is an "equitable distribution" state. This means marital assets are divided fairly — but not necessarily 50/50. A judge or settlement agreement may consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning potential, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living both spouses enjoyed.
In a high-asset divorce, determining what counts as a "marital asset" (property gained during the marriage) versus a "separate asset" (property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance) can itself be a complex and time-consuming process. The more clearly these distinctions can be documented, the smoother the process tends to go.
Your Wyckoff Divorce Attorney Can Make a Real Difference
Having the right legal team by your side does not just protect your interests — it can meaningfully affect how long your divorce takes. An attorney who understands high-asset divorces knows which questions to ask, which documents to request, and how to keep negotiations on track.
At Sherwood, Johnson & Poles, we take the time to understand your full financial picture before making any moves. Every family's situation is different, and we tailor our approach to your goals and circumstances. We also communicate clearly throughout the process, so you are never left wondering what comes next.
Your Next Step as a Wyckoff Divorce Attorney from Sherwood, Johnson & Poles
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a high-asset divorce will take — but being informed and having the right support makes a significant difference. Whether your divorce resolves in months or takes longer, understanding the process helps reduce the uncertainty that makes this time so stressful.
Sherwood, Johnson & Poles is here to guide you through every phase of your high-asset divorce with care and clarity. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (888) 224-1218 or reach out through our online contact form. You do not have to navigate this alone.