Getting a divorce sounds like an easy process, right? When you finally decide to go through with it, you probably think that it will be simple from start to finish – as easy as you both signing a paper and calling it quits. However, most of the time it takes about six months to finalize a divorce, or even longer when there are issues involved in the particular situation. You may wonder how you can push the divorce process along. From a legal standpoint, there are some steps that you can take. From a personal and emotional standpoint, you may be able to make a difference as well. Find out about the ways that you can speed up the divorce process on both ends.
Expedited Divorce
There are many reasons why a couple decides that a speedy divorce is for them, whether it is because they want to avoid excessive attorney’s fees or because one or both want to remarry. Of course, every state has different laws that apply to divorce. For instance, in some states there is something known as a “summary divorce,” which offers procedures that speed up the process by allowing the couple to separate in a specified amount of time. Both parties have to agree to this type of divorce for it to work. California will grant a summary divorce six months from the date of the divorce filing if the spouses decide to file jointly and have assets that are valued below the maximum amounts set by law. There are also other elements they must meet, such as neither party receiving alimony and not having children together.
A party may also choose to apply for bifurcation, which is helpful when a spouse wants to remarry. In these cases, the court will grant the divorce and each spouse is permitted to remarry as soon as they want to. However, they may have to revisit some of the legal issues involved in their divorce at a later date such as property issues or child custody. Finally, a trial may possibly be avoided if the couple decides that they can work together to negotiate the legal issues as easily as possible. However, this will depend upon many different factors such as settling agreements cooperatively to avoid the trial times.
Working Together
Sometimes, working together throughout the process can speed things along as quickly as you have wished. However, this takes effort from both sides. Goal setting and timelines are a good way to keep your deadline in mind. If you are willing to cooperate with the other party and are not resentful about important matters that you have to face one way or another, you may end up excelling in the proceedings. Relying on the courts alone will not get you the outcome that you have wished for; no, you may want to have a long discussion with your ex-spouse about what may be beneficial for both of you.
Divorce may also cease to proceed when legal representation further complicates the process. Your legal counsel or the counsel of the other party may attempt to delay the proceedings and complicate matters for their own benefit, such as more pay. However, you should always watch out for attorneys who only work for themselves and do not consider the outcome of your case. This is why it is especially important to choose an attorney who will work for you in your time of need and wants to understand your case in full. Talk to us today at The Law Offices of Amy Montes so we can discuss your case and help you get started when it matters most. We will help you every step of the way with your divorce.
