There are certain things in life that people want to savor – but a divorce is not one of them. They want this process to be over as quickly as possible. It usually takes several months, but there are things that can hasten it along. Here are some tips on how a couple can obtain a divorce without too many delays:

How to Speed Up a Divorce

When you and your spouse have agreed to permanently split, you are likely not on the best of terms. However, arguing will only cause delays. Strange as it may sound, this is a good time to work together for both of your sakes. It is to your benefit to settle most issues before even filing with the court. This could allow you to file an uncontested divorce and skip a lot of steps before obtaining the final decree.

What Are Crucial Issues?

1. Get organized. Both partners should know their financial status, assets, debts, insurance and retirement plans, etc. Create an inventory and get the supporting documents together. This should be done before you meet with your respective divorce attorneys (and we firmly recommend proper legal representation in lieu of a risky do-it-yourself procedure). A meeting with a financial expert is advised if there are any questions regarding finances – such as who gets the social security monies, etc. The sooner you settle joint debts, the quicker your path through the divorce process will be.
2. Make sure both you and your spouse are committed to a divorce. In many instances, one party may be hoping for a reconciliation. He or she could be dragging their feet on filing the necessary pre-trial motions and attempting to slow down or negate the divorce. If you want a quick divorce, do not procrastinate. Have your attorney set deadlines for filings and discuss pertinent issues other than financial matters. Disagreements about child custody and alimony payments can cause delays. A neutral mediator may be of help. Schedule a mediation meeting as soon as possible. The good ones can be booked far in advance, and you definitely want the best mediator. If mediation doesn’t resolve your important issues, it can take months – or even longer – to schedule your case with the court. 

Divorcing in the State of Florida

Fortunately, obtaining a divorce in the State of Florida can be a quick procedure. As has been stated, the more you agree on crucial details, the faster you will obtain the divorce. It is normal and understandable to feel bitter and angry at this time, but these negative emotions will only slow you down. If you and your partner were unable to cooperate during your marriage, it will pay to cooperate now, during the divorce.

There is no mandatory period of separation period in Florida, so the divorce can be as quick as you can make it. 

There are two types of divorces – contested and uncontested. An uncontested divorce, where you agree on major issues, will be much faster than a contested divorce, where a court may end up making decisions for you.

In the event there are no children, the duration of the marriage was short, and there are no assets or liabilities to divide, Florida will allow a “Simplified Divorce” which requires less paperwork and will speed things up. If the divorce is contested, however, both parties need to appear at the final hearing. If it is uncontested, one party only needs to show up to formally approve the finalized divorce agreement.

A couple who are unable to reconcile on important issues will go through a contested divorce. This may involve many meetings and more hours and incur more expenses.

Conclusion:

A divorce can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. And partners can be overwhelmed with bitterness and confusion. While those feelings are normal and understandable, it is to your benefit to cooperate with your about-to-be ex when attempting to resolve sensitive issues. It will save you time and money and make the entire process easier. 

The legal process can get difficult, which is why we always recommend that you seek the assistance of counsel; or at least have a consultation. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today to review the issues of your case, the legal options you may have, and certain rights that pertain to your unique situation.

Have more questions? Let us know by sending an email to: questions@legallotus.legal and we will do our best to develop content to provide you with direction and insight!

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