How Can I Speed Up My Divorce?

How Can I Speed Up My Divorce?

A divorce can feel like it’s taking forever, adding stress and anxiety to an already difficult time. If you’re wondering how you can move through the process more quickly, you’re not alone. At Lucido & Manzella, P.C., we have guided people through family legal matters for over 25 years and understand the desire to finalize things and move forward. While every divorce has its own timeline, there are practical steps you can take to accelerate the process.

Here are a few things that can help you speed up your divorce:

• Understand the steps involved.
• Prepare your paperwork ahead of time.
• Consider mediation.
• Hire an experienced attorney.

It’s time to take control of your situation and work toward a resolution that meets your needs. Let’s dive deeper into these strategies.

What Steps Are Involved in a Divorce?

Understanding the process can reduce anxiety because you know what to expect and where delays might occur. A divorce typically involves several key stages: filing the petition, serving your spouse with the papers, gathering financial information (discovery), negotiating a settlement, and receiving a final judgment from the court. While some steps, such as the initial filing and waiting periods, are mandatory, delays often occur during the discovery and negotiation phases. Being prepared for each stage helps you plan and keep things moving.

How Long Does a Divorce in Michigan Normally Take?

The timeline depends heavily on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on all major issues, can be finalized in as little as 60 days if there are no minor children, or six months if there are. Contested divorces, where spouses disagree on issues such as property division or child custody, can take significantly longer. Even in contested cases, you can take steps to shorten the timeline by being proactive and cooperative.

What Paperwork Can I Prepare Before Divorce to Avoid Delays?

Organizing your documents early can prevent repeated court visits and significant slowdowns.

Key paperwork includes:

• Financial statements (bank accounts, investments, retirement funds).
• A detailed list of assets and debts.
• Recent tax returns and pay stubs.
• A proposed parenting plan if you have children.

Having these documents ready for your attorney makes the discovery phase much more efficient and demonstrates that you are prepared to resolve matters promptly.

How Can Mediation Help Speed Up a Divorce?

Mediation allows you and your spouse to resolve disputes with the help of a neutral third party, avoiding a lengthy trial. This process is often quicker, less adversarial, and more cost-effective than litigation. Issues such as property division, child custody, and financial support can often be resolved more quickly in mediation. By reaching a mutual agreement, you maintain more control over the outcome and can finalize your divorce on your own terms.

Does Hiring an Experienced Lawyer Make Divorce Faster?

Hiring a skilled Michigan divorce attorney can streamline the process by avoiding common procedural mistakes that cause delays. An attorney handles essential tasks efficiently, from filing motions correctly and managing deadlines to negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf. Their guidance helps you make informed decisions, reduces the emotional strain of conflict, and prevents costly errors that could prolong your case.

What Other Tips Can Help Me Avoid Unnecessary Delays?

Taking a proactive and cooperative approach can significantly reduce the time it takes to finalize your divorce. Try to communicate openly and clearly with your spouse whenever possible, and respond promptly to all requests from the court and your attorneys. While emotions can run high, letting them drive the conflict will only lead to a longer, more expensive process.

Take Control of Your Divorce Timeline

A lengthy divorce is not inevitable. By preparing your documents, considering mediation, and seeking proper legal counsel, you can take meaningful steps to expedite the process. The attorneys at Lucido & Manzella, P.C. are here to support you in taking proactive steps so you can begin the next chapter of your life sooner. Contact us today to learn how we can help.