Once you have received an official response from your spouse, the divorce process can begin, which includes:nnFinancial disclosures: Each spouse must provide detailed information regarding income, expenses, assets, and liabilities on the Family Part Case Information Statement form within 20 days after your spouse’s answer is filed. It is critical that you disclose all information accurately. Failure to disclose accounts, debts, or assets is a crime that can result in fines or potential jail time.nnMediation: If you choose, you and your spouse can work with a court-approved mediator – a neutral third-party – to settle issues and reach agreements. Once a settlement agreement is reached, it will be filed with the court and a judge will make a final ruling.nnEarly Settlement Program (ESP): In certain cases, the judge may recommend an ESP, another form of mediation. If ordered by the judge, participation is mandatory. The court will not order mediation in cases involving domestic violence with an active restraining order.nnArbitration: You and your spouse can request an arbitrator to decide your case rather than a judge. You must agree in advance as to what issues the arbitrator will decide and that you will accept the decisions. A judge is still required to make the final decision on the divorce decree.