How Long Does a Divorce Take if Both Sides Agree?

how long does divorce take
Worthy Staff

By Worthy Staff | May 16th, 2018

Uncontested divorces – those in which both sides agree to the terms of the judgment – usually take far less time than contested divorces. When you are eager to end a marriage that is no longer working, it’s normal to wonder how long the dissolution process will take. As with other legal proceedings, the amount of time it takes to get a divorce finalized depends on a number of variables.

How Long Does a Divorce Take? Factors to Consider

Here are some factors to keep in mind as you plan for your future.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A DIVORCE?

How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce? No-Fault Divorces are Faster

The divorce process tends to move faster when no one wants to argue or assign blame. In some states, it is not possible to file for an “at-fault” divorce. Since there is no need to prove fault, your case may proceed more quickly. All 50 states offer no-fault divorces, and so does Washington D.C.

How Long after Divorce Papers are Signed is it Final?

Once all documents have been signed by both spouses, the court must review your case. The amount of time required to finalize divorce depends on a variety of factors including state laws. The following examples illustrate a few of the differences:

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?

If either party is contesting the divorce, proceedings may drag on for months. Factors such as child custody, child support, division of property, and alimony are among the top considerations in contested divorce proceedings. When parties are hostile toward one another or when attorneys are highly aggressive, it is possible for a year or more to pass before the divorce is finalized.

Every divorce is different and judges do not take shortcuts, even when proceedings are simple and both sides agree that it is best to part ways. As it turns out, there is no short answer to the question “How long does a divorce take?” While no one wants to endure a lengthy, drawn-out process, the judicial system must ensure that the case is handled with appropriate care from start to finish.

Worthy Staff

Worthy Staff


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