Divorce ends a marriage; it does not automatically resolve every property, tax, debt, insurance, or parenting issue without appropriate requests and orders. “Uncontested” means the necessary issues are resolved, not simply that one spouse wants the divorce. A default is a procedural outcome, not a promise that every request will be granted.
New Jersey. Divorce is handled in Superior Court’s Family Part. For the common irreconcilable-differences ground, the court describes a six-month breakdown. Generally at least one spouse must have been a bona fide NJ resident for the year immediately before filing; the statute contains grounds-related conditions and an adultery exception that need individual review. Residency statute. Six months of problems does not mean every couple must live apart for six months. Check the current court guidance and applicable residency facts rather than treating “I live here now” as enough. NJ divorce.
New York. Divorce is in Supreme Court, not Family Court. The official residency guide explains several alternatives; some require two years, others one year plus particular connections, and another depends on both spouses’ residence and where grounds arose. Irretrievable breakdown for at least six months is a no-fault ground, but required financial and child issues must still be resolved. Automatic orders can restrict changes to property, insurance, and other arrangements. Ask when they became binding on each party. NY divorce FAQ; automatic orders.
DC. Current DC law permits divorce when one or both parties no longer wish to remain married; the current court guidance says there is no required prefiling separation period. Generally one spouse must have been a DC resident for six months, subject to statutory exceptions. Older guides describing a six-month or one-year separation requirement should not be used as the current rule. DC court guidance warns that requests for property division or alimony need to be made in the divorce case. Children’s issues can involve separate jurisdiction questions. DC divorce; residency; grounds.