When you have decided to file for divorce, you probably want to get it over as quickly as possible. Why has it dragged on for years? Just finalize it and move on.
In Ohio, the divorce process varies, depending on whether or not you have children. The process can take 4-12 months if you don’t have children, or up to two years if there are children involved.
The biggest factor in divorce cases is whether or not you and your spouse can cooperate. You also need to meet the state requirements. In order to get divorced in Ohio:
- You or your spouse must have lived in Ohio for at least six months.
- You or your spouse must have lived in the county of filing for at least 90 days.
Also, you cannot divorce while pregnant. If you or your spouse are pregnant, you must wait until the baby is born to finalize the divorce.
Once you meet the requirements and file the paperwork, you and your spouse can work together to get the divorce finalized. However, this is easier said than done. There are often roadblocks in the way that can make your divorce more complicated. Here are some common issues you may have to deal with.
The Case is Just Overly Complex
It’s possible that everyone is trying to get the process done as quickly as possible, but it’s hard because the divorce case is too complex. This is especially true in high net worth divorces, where there are significant assets involved. Child custody disputes, domestic violence issues, and investigations are also things that can delay a divorce. Spouses may need to complete certain actions before the case can move forward. Unfortunately, each step in a complex case can take months to resolve. Couples who are cooperative can speed up the process significantly.
Lack of Cooperation
A spouse who feels angry or bitter about the divorce will be less likely to cooperate. They may try to delay the process for as long as possible. In these cases, it helps to have a heart-to-heart talk with your spouse. Your lawyer can also assist you in trying to expedite the process. Sometimes going to court may speed things up.
Your Lawyer Delays the Process
It’s not always the spouse complicating matters. Your lawyer could also be making things worse.
They may try to delay the proceedings so that they can maximize their own profits. This can be a frustrating situation, so if you have doubts about your current attorney, you may want to get a second opinion and switch attorneys to make the process as painless as possible.
Pushing to Settle Too Quickly
Sometimes spouses will try to push a settlement too quickly. This often means they are hiding something, so in the end, it often leads to more delays. Make sure you take your time and go through all the financial information so that you can settle on a successful settlement. However, it may also be a good idea to hire a forensic accountant to discover any assets your spouse might be trying to cover up.
The Quickest Way to Divorce
Here are some ways to speed up the divorce process:
- Consider mediation. Couples who are able to secure an uncontested divorce can usually get a divorce fairly quickly. If there are some issues of contention, though, a mediator can help you resolve your issues and draw up a settlement agreement outside of court.
- Be forthcoming with financial documents. Share any information and documents about your estate and financial accounts with your spouse. This is a good idea since financial responsibilities tend to fall on one spouse, which leaves the other spouse in the dark.
- Review your finances. Tidy up your marital estate by having a financial advisor go through your finances. Reconciling debt and consolidating bank accounts can help get rid of the financial complexities involved in a divorce case, which can help speed up the process. So think about getting your finances in order if you want to divorce quickly.
Contact Us Today
Divorce can take a long time. The key to a quicker divorce is negotiation and cooperation.
Get the help you need from the Columbus divorce attorneys at Lawrence Law Office. Our skilled attorneys have the necessary experience and expertise to advise you on all aspects of your divorce case, no matter how complex. Fill out the online form or call (614) 228-3664 to schedule a consultation.