When you’ve decided to leave your spouse, understanding what will influence the length of divorce is vital to managing your expectations and planning for the future. Several factors will ultimately determine how long the dissolution of your marriage takes, as divorce is not one-size-fits-all. The following blog explores what factors can influence how long it takes to finalize your divorce when you enlist the help of an experienced Los Angeles divorce attorney.
What Factors Influence the Length of Divorce?
As previously mentioned, there are a number of factors that will influence how long a divorce takes. For example, if a couple engages in an uncontested divorce, meaning they have no qualms and have agreed to work out their issues amicably, all they must do is sign a statement agreeing to the terms of the divorce. In general, this can take three to six months.
However, if a couple is not on good terms and cannot agree on divorce terms, it can take much longer. Figuring out things like spousal support, division of marital assets, and child custody can extend the process. When a couple cannot agree on their divorce terms, it can create tension while dragging out the process. Unfortunately, due to the number of factors that can influence the outcome of your divorce, it’s essential to understand that a contested divorce can take anywhere from several months to years to finalize due to the elements that must be settled during a trial.
How Can I Speed Up the Process?
The most effective way to end a divorce quicker is by filing for an uncontested divorce. Unfortunately, however, this is not a viable option for everyone. However, you are not out of luck.
When a contested divorce is inevitable, one thing that can help make the process go faster is to ensure you have all the necessary documents in order before meeting with your attorney. Gathering bank statements, tax returns, estate planning documents, and insurance information can help cut out unnecessary wasted time, as you will be able to give your attorney everything they need.
You and your spouse may also want to consider mediation as a way to decrease the amount of time you spend enduring a lengthy court trial. Mediation involves hiring a neutral third-party person to facilitate conversations between you and your spouse to negotiate the terms of your divorce. This is often much less intimidating than letting a judge decide and allows you increased control over the division of your assets.
When going through a divorce, ensuring you have a competent attorney ready to represent you is essential, especially if you want to speed up the process. Though no one can force your spouse to cooperate, an experienced attorney can help you save valuable time in other areas of the divorce. At the Zitser Family Law Group, we prioritize your needs as an individual and the needs of your family. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate your divorce.
