How Long Does it Take to Get Divorced?!?

This question is asked at virtually every consultation with a new client.  For some reason, people seem to underestimate how long the divorce process will take.

Clients are always surprised to hear that even the simplest, easiest, friendliest, "no fault" "out-of-court" divorce can take several months.

This is due to the fact that even after you reach a settlement, it takes the court system a long time to process the paperwork and finalize the decree.  Depending on the venue of the filing, the processing time can take between 3 months and 8 months.

A divorce is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you and your spouse do not see eye-to-eye on the issues of child custody and support, your divorce will take closer to one year to get resolved. (This is due to the lengthier negotiations that these issues often entail.)

If your case involves the issue of spousal support, or the valuation of a business, your divorce will take, on average, up to two years.  (This is due court proceedings, valuations and experts, which complicate and lengthen the timeline of the case.)

A contested custody case can also take up to two years.

In general, the longer the case takes, the more it will cost.
Keep these time frames into account and pace yourself accordingly.

For a free consultation, contact Jacqueline Harounian at Jackie@lawjaw.com.

Mediation versus Litigation

Mediation versus Litigation in Divorce Cases

Written by: Jacqueline Harounian


What are the benefits and limitations of each method? You may be surprised at the answers!

Explained by an experienced matrimonial litigator and professional mediator.

1 Mediation is the Best Starting Point for Many Couples
If you and your spouse have good communication together, and can agree to basic terms regarding custody and division of assets, you may want to consider mediation. A good mediator can help the two of you reach a full agreement regarding support and hep you understand the divorce process.

2 Mediation is a Waste of Time and Money for Certain Couples
If you and your spouse cannot communicate, or there are issues of domestic violence, mental health issues, drugs and alcohol, or child abuse, mediation is not advised. On the financial front, mediation has limitations in cases where there are cash income, a family business, hidden assets, or one party refuses to cooperate in producing documents. The mediator cannot make any orders, or compel disclosure. If one side stonewalls, the mediation will not be able to proceed.

Additional Resources
Check my website at lawjaw.com for more information. We offer a free consultation to see if you are a candidate for mediation. The couple must come in together for the intake meeting. Call 516 773 8300 or email Jackie@lawjaw.com for more information.
Wisselman Harounian & Associates PC

Welcome to my blog!

Today is the first launch of my blog, Lady Lawyer. I hope that this blog will become a resource for law students, working moms and other "lady lawyers" (or those of you who aspire to join the ranks.) I would love to hear from you, and hopefully, can offer up some advice and guidance.

A little about me: I am a partner in a leading matrimonial and family law firm in Great Neck, New York. I have been practicing law for almost 17 years, since 1994. I have been married for 20 years, to my saint of a spouse, Maurice, and we have four children, ranging in age from 5 to 18. My firm, Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C. is recognized as a top firm specializing in the very complicated area of divorce and family law. Please visit my firm's website www.lawjaw.com for tons of information about New York Family Law, including articles, resources, and links.

I have worked very hard to get where I am, and I have had some lucky breaks along the way. That's all for now. In the weeks to come, I hope to add a lot of info about family law, work-life balance, and anecdotes about a day in the life as a lady lawyer.