Because each case is unique, it’s hard to put a price tag on divorce. However, you may be surprised to find that in the end, what you pay is in your hands. There are dozens of factors in play, but ultimately it comes down to how well you and your spouse can work toward a collaborative rather than combative divorce.
A divorce can take anywhere from several months to more than a year from the time the Complaint for Divorce is filed until the final Judgment Entry grants the divorce—but because many cases settle short of trial, the length of your divorce ultimately may rely on your willingness to compromise with your ex.
The quickest method of divorce is dissolution, a form of no-fault divorce. Dissolution is the most common method of ending a marriage, as more than 90 percent of divorces are settled before they ever reach trial.
This option requires both parties to agree on all issues surrounding the end of their marriage before they file any paperwork with the Court. The documents must detail the terms of the agreement, including spousal support, parental rights and responsibilities, child support and the division of assets and liabilities.
Both parties must appear before a judge and state their agreement to end the marriage. Once the spouses reach an agreement and file it with the clerk of courts, the court must hold a hearing within 30 to 90 days from the date of filing.
Dissolution may be the quickest and least costly way to split from your spouse. In a dissolution, you’re able to split all of your debts and assets without ever setting foot in a court room.
However, if the termination of your marriage cannot be resolved amicably and requires divorce litigation or a trial, it could take many months to finalize. Some factors that can contribute to a lengthy process include:
If you’re interested in saving time, money and emotions, it’s in everyone’s best interest to work cooperatively. Agreeing on an allocation of marital assets beforehand will help the process unfold much faster, as you won’t have to involve the courts in such decisions. Where there is a significant amount of marital property and/or debt in the mix, your divorce attorney may need to hire a certified divorce financial analyst or real estate appraiser.
Finally, custody and child support can be game changers. A custody battle can be costly, and it can have a huge negative impact on your children.
If you have children, dating is not a bridge you’ll want to cross during your divorce. And frankly, that isn’t only because it could cause problems in the case – which it will. It’s because the average person isn’t ready. Singles going through a divorce need some time and space between ending their marriage and moving to another relationship. When you jump into something new, you could risk planting the seed for a second divorce.
That said, a lot of individuals asking if they can date are actually asking: What do I do about my current significant other? Sometimes it’s best to put the relationship on hold during the dissolution process, as it’s might make your case harder if and when your spouse finds out.
However, every case is unique. If you’re already in a relationship, creating a mature and situation-appropriate plan with your Columbus divorce attorney is the best option. Let us work with you to figure out the best way to deliver the news to your ex.
For many spouses who were stay-at-home parents or simply didn’t have a hand in the family finances, they are completely in the dark as to what their marital estate is. Many of our clients frequently sign tax returns every year without reading them, in good faith that their partners will uphold their end of the marriage. At Babbitt & Dahlberg, we will explain all the paperwork, from balance sheets to income breakdowns, so you feel confident about your financial future.
Have more questions? To sit down one-on-one with a Columbus family law attorney, schedule a consultation today by filling out our online contact form or calling 614-228-4200.
