How Long Will Your Divorce Proceedings Be?
Divorce is an emotionally draining experience that affects everyone involved, from the spouses to their children and their friends and families. Not only is it emotionally difficult, but divorce can also be financially draining. One of the biggest concerns for couples divorcing is how long the process will take. A long divorce means that you’ll be dealing with this pain and suffering, along with incurring the costs, for an extended period of time.
Thankfully, with online divorce services offered by Untying the Knot, you can reduce how much you have to interact with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, the amount of time you have to worry about the divorce, and how much it will cost overall. That said, this might beg the question as to how and why divorces can take so long in the first place. Untying the Knot can explain.
What Causes Lengthy Divorces?
The length of time a divorce can take is influenced by several factors, including:
- The type of divorce
- Complexity of the case
- Level of cooperation between both parties
It’s not impossible for divorces to be completed in a matter of weeks, but often, they continue on for months, or even several years in certain cases.
The average time for a divorce to be finalized in the United States is about one year. However, some divorces can take much longer. These lengthy divorces can take an emotional and financial toll on both parties involved.
How Disagreement Affects Your Divorce Proceedings
One of the main reasons why a divorce may take longer is due to disagreements between the couple on various issues such as child custody, division of assets, alimony payments, and other important matters. If the couple is unable to come to an agreement, it can lead to prolonged court battles and legal proceedings.
Another factor that contributes to lengthy divorces is the complexity of the case. In high-net-worth divorces or those involving complicated financial assets, the process can take longer due to the need for extensive evaluations and negotiations.
Factors that Contribute to Lengthy Divorces
While disagreements and complex cases are common causes of lengthy divorces, there are other factors that can also contribute to the extended duration of the process.
Legal Requirements
The legal requirements for divorce vary from state to state. In Florida, couples must undergo a mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing for divorce for it to be finalized.
Court Schedules
Divorce cases are often placed on the court’s schedule based on availability. If there is an influx of other cases or if the court is short-staffed, it can delay the proceedings and prolong the divorce process.
Ways to Reduce the Time It Takes to Get Divorced
While some factors that contribute to lengthy divorces are out of a couple’s control, there are steps they can take to reduce the time it takes to get divorced.
Consider Mediation
Mediation is a process where both parties work with a neutral third party to come to an agreement on various issues in their divorce. This can be a faster and less expensive alternative compared to going through court battles, which can save both time and money.
Be Willing to Compromise
One of the biggest reasons why divorces take longer is disagreements between couples. Issues like spousal support, child support, and child custody can greatly extend the time needed to finish your divorce. Talking to your spouse before you even put in divorce papers can go a long way to speeding up divorce.
By being open to compromise and finding mutual agreements, both parties can save time and energy in the divorce process.
Use Online Divorce Services to File For Divorce
Untying the Knot’s online divorce services are designed to mitigate the causes that increase the length of divorce – such as child and spousal support – and allow you to do it from the comfort of your home. It’s also found to be easier on each party especially when it is with someone you can’t be around. Even if you and your spouse are divorcing on amicable terms, being able to do it from home when you both get the chance can make the whole process easier.
Contact Untying the Knot to Learn More About Our Divorce Services
The length of time a divorce takes can vary depending on various factors. While some divorce proceedings may take longer due to complex cases or disagreements, there are steps couples can take to reduce the time it takes to get divorced.
By considering alternative methods such as mediation, being willing to compromise, and using online divorce services, couples can minimize the emotional and financial strain of a lengthy divorce. Check out our online services or contact us today to learn more.