Why Divorce Timing Matters: When One Spouse Is Emotionally Ahead

Episode Summary: In this episode of For Better or For Court: Family Law in New Jersey, Alix Claps, a certified matrimonial law attorney and partner at Heymann & Fletcher, discusses a topic rarely written in legal documents but present in nearly every divorce — the emotional gap between spouses. Alix explains what happens when one partner is emotionally ready to move forward while the other is still processing the end of the marriage. She outlines how this imbalance can influence legal decisions, settlement timelines, and even the financial outcome of a divorce. The conversation highlights why emotional readiness and legal readiness often don’t align — and how working with both an attorney and a therapist helps clients make informed, balanced choices during an emotionally charged time.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 – Show introduction and overview of today’s topic 01:10 – Understanding the emotional gap between spouses in divorce 03:00 – How emotional readiness impacts the legal process 05:15 – Why hiring an attorney early protects your rights and mindset 07:30 – When one spouse initiates the divorce but isn’t ready to act 09:40 – Common emotional reactions: denial, avoidance, and anger 11:50 – How emotional imbalance can lead to unfair legal outcomes 13:30 – The importance of small, manageable steps in the early stages 15:10 – How therapists and attorneys work together to support clients 17:00 – Legal deadlines and the risks of not responding in time 18:40 – Can you slow down or speed up the divorce process? 20:15 – What to do if you feel emotionally unprepared for divorce 21:30 – How attorneys maintain professional boundaries and avoid burnout 23:00 – Advice for clients frustrated by a spouse delaying the process

About the Show:

For Better or For Court: Family Law in New Jersey helps listeners navigate the realities of divorce, custody, and family law with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Alix Claps, partner at Heymann & Fletcher, this podcast sheds light on the emotional, legal, and financial aspects of family law cases — providing expert insights for anyone facing change in their family life.