It is tough — or nearly impossible — to calculate an average time to complete a divorce. This is mainly because there is no average divorce — everyone’s situation is different. Some divorce amicably so the process is met with little resistance, while other divorces are rife with conflict and legal motions.
Here is what to expect, along with an average time to complete a divorce, within certain scenarios.
Amicable Divorce
These divorces clip along at a brisk pace. Both spouses are generally agreeable with each other, and various aspects of the divorce (i.e. child custody, alimony, child support) are not contested. Therefore, spouses will not have to take the time to enter court and fight out their legal battles.
In these types of divorces, you can expect to only experience about one to six months of waiting time before the divorce is finalized and completed. This is calculated from the time that the divorce petition is filed in court and served on the opposite spouse. Needless to say, this is the quickest way to part ways with a former partner.
Contentious Divorces
Have you ever taken the time to read headlines of the tabloids and realize that some celebrities have been in the process of divorce for years? That’s because those divorces have been slowed up by constant legal jockeying over property division, child and spousal support, and child custody. Divorces can literally crawl on for years. While it is always important to make sure that you are getting a fair result in a divorce, you must pick your battles. The longer a divorce drags on, the more you will be paying in legal and court fees.
Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation is when you sit down with your soon-to-be ex-spouse and a third party legal professional and hash out an agreement. Many are turning to this form of divorce because it is very quick (sometimes a matter of hours) and really cuts down on legal fees.
Seek Legal Counsel
Divorce is a complex process and a time where you do not want to make any major errors. Enlisting the help of family lawyers is paramount. They can better explain the average time to complete a divorce along with discussing legal strategy for your individual case. You can find a quality divorce lawyer quickly through TalkLocal. Simply explain what type of professional you’re looking for and we’ll locate them for you!
