Studies have shown that finalizing a divorce typically takes about a year. And with divorce being the second most stressful event a person can go through, it’s no surprise that people going through a divorce want to get it finalized as soon as possible. While the time it takes for a divorce to be completed is based on each case, there are some things that you can do to help speed up the divorce process.
Finding ways to expedite the divorce process is crucial in moving on with your life. This article will explore five things you can do to help speed up your divorce. By empowering yourself with these tips, you can make your divorce journey smoother and more efficient, allowing you to move on to the next chapter in your life.
Tip #1 — Get Prepared
If you’ve decided to file for divorce or received divorce papers, the number one thing you should do is start preparing. Getting prepared can help expedite the divorce process immensely. Here are some things you can do from the start to get prepared.
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- Learn Divorce Laws in Your Area — Some states have residency requirements to meet before you can file for divorce. There may also be waiting periods that you must meet before you can finalize your divorce. Being aware of these stipulations and if there are any ways to maneuver around them can give you a better understanding of how long your divorce will take and if there are any additional ways to speed up the process. Hiring a local divorce lawyer can help you ensure you receive the best representation.
- Start Saving — Divorce can be expensive, so you should save as soon as possible. Having the funds together to hire an experienced divorce attorney can help you shorten the time it takes to finalize your divorce and help avoid costly mistakes that can affect settlements or delay divorce proceedings.
- Gather the Necessary Financial Documentation — Collect the necessary financial documents, assets, and liabilities beforehand. Having this information readily available can help prevent delays. Ensuring that you disclose all financial information can help avoid delays. Also, hiding assets can result in repercussions by the court.
- Organize Legal Documents — You should gather all legal documents such as a Will, Power of Attorney, Advance Healthcare Directives, and all insurance policies (life, homeowners, auto, etc.) and have them readily available.
Tip #2 — Decide What You Want
Before the official negotiations and paperwork are started, decide what you want from the divorce. Here are some issues you should consider when determining what you want from your divorce settlement.
- Dividing Marital Assets
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Child Support
- Alimony
While knowing what you want from the settlement is essential, you must also be willing to compromise. Failing to work with your soon-to-be ex can extend the time it takes for your divorce to be finalized and can result in a contentious divorce, possibly a lengthy court battle.
Tip #3 — Find an Experienced Lawyer
Finding an experienced lawyer you feel comfortable with is essential for a quick divorce. They can help reduce stress, prepare and file paperwork involved in the divorce, provide you with legal guidance, and act on your behalf to negotiate with your ex and their lawyer.
Many lawyers offer free consultations. Take advantage of these consultations before selecting a divorce lawyer to speak with them to determine if you feel comfortable with them. You should feel comfortable talking with them and feel as though they understand your circumstances and are answering your questions. When you feel like your lawyer understands your case, you can relax knowing they are taking care of your divorce.
Tip #4 — Review Divorce Options That Can Speed Things Up
The two fastest ways to get a divorce are an uncontested divorce or mediation. However, these are only options if your ex agrees to them.
An uncontested divorce means you agree on the issues related to the divorce. This allows the divorce to go faster because there is less going back and forth. While an uncontested divorce has many benefits, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Since the court isn’t involved much, you must be on good terms with your ex and be able to negotiate things like alimony, child custody, child support, and how to divide marital property.
Mediation is an option when a neutral third-party works with both spouses to settle disputes. Mediators cannot give legal advice, so it’s essential to retain the services of a qualified divorce attorney. The settlement reached during mediation is a legal, binding contract, so you should have your divorce lawyer review it before signing anything.
Tip #5 — Work With Your Spouse
Being able to work with your spouse during the process can help speed things up. Make sure that you’re not only communicating your priorities to your spouse but listening to what they tell you about their priorities as well.
Also, ensure you are both kept updated on where you stand in the process. Keeping the lines of communication open between the two of you will help you stay on the same page and allow you to agree on issues before the divorce gets to court.
Turn to Attorney Hunter Fowler for the Best Representation During Your Divorce
As you begin the divorce process, remember that everyone’s situation is unique, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. While this may be a challenging time, being armed with the knowledge and strategies discussed in this article can help you better navigate the divorce process more efficiently.
Attorney Hunter Fowler understands how divorce can affect your life. It can seem like the world is crashing down around you, and you need someone on your side to provide the best legal counsel possible. Hunter and his team have developed a system to guide you through the divorce process and make it as seamless as possible.
Are you ready to work with a Murfreesboro divorce attorney who listens to what you want and will use all legal means possible to win it? Contact us today for a consultation.