A divorce can be a complicated, emotionally taxing, and confusing process. Property division, parenting schedules, and court appearances are never easy things to decide upon. However, researching what you’re in store for is the best way to make the process as smooth as possible.

How long your divorce will take is heavily dependent upon your personal circumstances. Your finances, your assets, your family situation, and how long you were married are all factors that will decide the length of the divorce. Perhaps the most significant factor, however, is how willing you are to cooperate with your former spouse.

Types of Divorce

In general, there are two types of divorce. One is uncontested, which means both parties agree to the divorce and the separation agreement. The other is contested, which means the couple is unable to come to an agreement about one or multiple aspects of the separation agreement.

In an uncontested divorce, the couple claims irreconcilable differences and works out between themselves how to separate property and parenting time. In a contested divorce, the couple cannot or will not agree on some issue or issues of the divorce. When these issues cannot be decided on, the court must step in and make the decisions for the family. As you may imagine, an uncontested divorce takes significantly less time to complete than a contested one. In a contested divorce, a hearing must take place for every issue that is contested. If the situation is particularly bad, the divorce proceedings may take years to finalize.

How Long Does the Divorce Process Take?

So as you can see, how long your divorce takes depends on the type of divorce you choose. If you choose an uncontested divorce and have no minor children, your divorce can be processed in as little as ten days. If you do have children under the age of 18, it might take as long as 90 days to complete. During those 90 days, you will be required to take a class on how divorce affects young children and how you can mitigate the negative effects. In a contested divorce, the process takes as long as necessary. The judge must come to a decision about every issue you cannot agree upon.

No matter which type of divorce you choose, Outhier & Caruthers, PLLC can help. Call today at 580-234-6600.