One of the most pressing questions that spouses seeking a divorce generally want answered is, “How long will my divorce take to complete?” This is a valid question. After all, it is difficult enough to transition from married life to single life without adding a drawn-out legal process to the mix. Thankfully, the answer to that question is, “That largely depends on the behavior of the spouses involved in the divorce process.” Is this a vague answer? Yes. However, it is vague precisely because no two divorces are exactly alike. Barring any timing restrictions imposed upon a couple by state law, the length of any couple’s individual process is largely up to those involved.
The Divorce Process – How Long Will It Take?
That’s right. You have far more power over the duration of your divorce process than you might have guessed. This reality is colored by several factors. First, it is important to seek experienced legal guidance as early in the process as you can. The sooner you begin working with a family law attorney you can trust, the sooner you can get the legal side of your divorce underway in earnest.
Second, it is important to understand that collaborative divorces tend to be much quicker and more efficient than traditional, contested divorce processes. What does this mean practically? If you work with your attorney and your spouse (through mediation and/or attorney-led negotiation) in order to come to an agreement in regards to the terms of your property division settlement (and child custody arrangement, if applicable) your divorce will likely conclude much more quickly than it will if your case requires multiple trips to consult a judge. Not every couple can come to an agreement without judicial intervention. But those couples who can tend to have speedier, cheaper and less stressful divorces than those who cannot. Therefore, if you are interested in obtaining a divorce relatively quickly, you may wish to speak with your attorney about collaborative approaches.
Legal Guidance Is Available
If you have questions about the divorce process, please consider scheduling a consultation with our legal team today. Just as no two marriages are exactly alike, no two divorce processes are exactly alike either. Additionally, every state respects different laws related to the divorce process. As a result, it is important to speak with a family lawyer in Arlington, Texas, like from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, about your situation before making any assumptions about what approach may be best for you, how long your divorce will take to complete and/or what you need to do in order to prepare for a successful process.