Commonly Asked Questions Divorce Lawyers Hear About the Divorce Process
If you’re going through your first divorce, it can be tough to know what to expect or what the first step is. Fortunately, divorce lawyers and mediators are available to help wherever needed. They’re used to taking on cases of couples who have never gone through the process before, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are some common questions they hear all the time, and here are some of them.
What’s an Uncontested Divorce?
If you’re new to the world of divorce, you may have heard the word “uncontested” before but never knew what it meant. Simply put, it’s when there is no opposition to anything requested. Basically, both parties are agreeing on everything. From the terms of the settlement to the divorce itself, the situation is very civil and handled quickly. After the divorce is official if you’re in the uncontested situation, you and your partner may remain friends. You may even live together. In fact, 5.5 million U.S. couples live together unmarried. Sometimes when there is a case of full agreement and participation, it’s called a consent divorce.
How Long Does it Take To Get Divorced?
This answer is a tricky one because it varies from case to case. For example, there may be residency requirements which means both parties must be residents of the same state for a certain amount of time. This could take some time to achieve. There are also waiting periods, which means the state is requiring a certain amount of time to pass between the actual filing for divorce and the court hearing.
What if My Spouse Is Missing?
Even if you can’t locate your spouse, you may still be able to get a divorce. You’ll have to first take the proper steps to attempt to locate them and notify them that you have filed for divorce. This involves things like checking telephone listings, asking people that know them if they’ve seen them, and checking property records. While this is a lot of work, it can also be extremely emotionally draining. If you are still going to work during this process, see if there are workplace mediation services available to discuss your options. Workplace mediation services will also be helpful if you’re having an issue with another person in the office that needs to be worked out. Head to your HR department and ask if you have workplace mediation services available to you. If you’ve tried all your options and you still can’t find them, the court will consider signing the paperwork and granting you the divorce anyway.
Don’t be afraid to ask your lawyer or mediation services questions. The answers could end up giving you some peace of mind and a speedy case.