How long does divorce take?

On Behalf of | Dec 16, 2020 | Divorce

Divorce in Indiana can be a time-consuming process. When you’re thinking about filing for divorce, you’d probably like to know how much the process would take. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict exactly how long it will take a divorce to finalize. Here are some factors that can influence the speed of your divorce.

How long does divorce take?

One major factor in the divorce process is whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. If the divorce is uncontested, it will be finalized much quicker. However, if the divorce is contested, the process will drag on much longer because both parties will have to figure out all the details. A divorce can drag on for months or even years if the couple can’t see eye-to-eye on anything.

Once you’ve talked to your attorney, it could take them up to two weeks to draw up the documents. At this point, your spouse could have up to two months to respond. After you’ve gone through the divorce process and are ready to have it finalized, it could take months for the judge to sign the divorce papers. Some courts are extremely backlogged and have to push everything back, even simple tasks like signing documents.

Additionally, the method that you chose could shorten or lengthen the divorce process. If you choose mediation, you might be able to get your divorce wrapped up in a few months. But if that doesn’t work, you might try arbitration, which takes even more time. And if that’s not successful, you’ll probably end up going to divorce court in the end. The longer you and your former spouse argue over the settlement, the longer it will take for the divorce to be resolved.

How can an attorney help you get divorced?

Whether you’ve decided to go with mediation, arbitration or a court battle, an attorney could help you with all aspects of divorce. Your attorney could draw up the initial documents and guide you through the entire legal process. An attorney could also help you deal with a hostile or abusive spouse and take legal action if necessary.

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