Traditionally, marriage is defined as a sacred bond between two individuals that are legally binding in court after a religious or non-religious ceremony. Divorce litigation is expensive and can cause significant damage to the marriage. Marital reconciliation is an inexpensive alternative to divorce litigation.

The Legal Reality of Reconciling with Your Spouse

The process of marriage reconciliation is handled by an attorney specializing in family law. The lawyer performing the marriage reconciliation will also show no partiality toward one side or the other, and all marital reconciliation proceedings will be conducted confidentially. During the reconciliation process, no amount of information will be disclosed to another family member, another member of the law firm, or to strangers who are spoken to by the lawyer.

What is marital reconciliation?

A marriage reconciliation lawyer will meet with each couple individually as well as as a couple. Having each side articulate their perspective prevents the lawyer from being interrupted or interjected by the other.

Before meeting as a group, one-on-one interactions can accomplish more. The lawyer can meet with the couple as a group once all the problems are clearly defined in individual meetings. Through behavior modeling, hands-on coaching, and explanation, the lawyer introduces specific issues, offers generalized problem-solving, and exchanges communication strategies. Marital reconciliation is achieved by analyzing, identifying, and solving problems that divide the couple.

How long should a married couple stay separated for reconciliation?

In general, it is recommended that issues between spouses are resolved within two to six months. However, if the time apart is excessively long, spouses may alienate from each other and develop a deep emotional distance that may prove impossible to overcome.

How many divorces end up in reconciliation?

According to studies, even though 87% of couples divorce, 13% reconcile following the breakup.

Although the percentage of couples who reconcile is lower than the number who file for divorce, you may still fall into that 13 percent.

You should keep in mind that reconciliation can only occur if both parties are willing and if you have a reasonable chance of saving the marriage itself.

Does reconciliation void a separation agreement?

In technical terms, a legal separation does not exist in New Jersey. However, a separation agreement serves primarily as a contractual agreement between you and your spouse. A separation agreement offers the advantage of determining how particular matters will be handled.

In the event of reconciliation, you have the option of voiding the agreement.

The divorce process along with marital reconciliation does not follow a one-size-fits-all model. We are here to guide and support our clients through some of their most difficult days, and the Dalena & Bosch motto perfectly sums up our firm’s approach to every case – “Holding your hand when you need it most.”.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Dalena & Bosch team member.