Q: Divorce delay reasons and 'judge having the matter' meaning.
I have been trying to finalize my divorce since 2021. I signed all the documents before leaving Jamaica, but I currently live in Barbados. My husband resides in the United States, and I do not want anything from him. My lawyer says the delay is due to the judge 'having the matter.' We haven't been to court yet. What does it mean when my lawyer says the judge 'has the matter,' and is this delay normal in this situation?
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A:
When your lawyer says that the judge "has the matter," it means that the judge is currently reviewing the case or has been assigned to make decisions regarding your divorce. This phrase often refers to the judge taking time to go over all the necessary paperwork, filings, and any outstanding issues in the case before making a ruling. In some cases, this can involve delays if the court is backed up with other cases or if additional information is required.
The delay in your situation is not uncommon, especially when the divorce involves multiple jurisdictions, such as Jamaica, Barbados, and the United States. International cases can sometimes take longer due to the coordination between courts in different countries and the need to comply with various legal processes.
While the delay is frustrating, it’s important to stay in touch with your lawyer to get updates and ensure that everything is proceeding as smoothly as possible. If you feel that the delay is excessive, you may want to ask your lawyer if there’s any way to speed up the process or if there are specific actions you need to take.
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