If you are considering filing for divorce in Ohio, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is how long will it take? While this is an important question to explore, it can be challenging to provide an exact answer. This blog will explain some factors that impact the length of a divorce, such as if there are children and the number of assets.
Keep reading to learn more from Law Offices of William L. Geary.
Predicting The Time it Takes to Divorce
Predicting how long it will take for a couple to file for a divorce is a challenging task. There are many different factors that can influence the length of time it takes for a couple to reach a final divorce agreement.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorces
One of the first factors determining how long a divorce takes is whether it is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce means that both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce, including asset division, spousal support, child custody/visitation rights, and any other issues related to their marriage. Uncontested divorces can sometimes be completed in as little as 30-45 days in Ohio if both parties are willing to cooperate throughout the process.
Contested divorces are much more complex because they involve disagreements between spouses regarding one or more aspects of their divorce decree. In these cases, couples may need to seek outside mediation or litigation to settle their disputes before proceeding with the divorce process. This type of divorce typically takes 6-12 months or longer, depending on the complexity of issues being negotiated by both parties and court availability.
Children & Assets
The presence of children and assets can also impact how long your divorce takes in Ohio. If minor children are involved, parents must devise a parenting plan outlining who will have physical custody and visitation rights for each child. A judge must approve these agreements before they are entered into the final decree. This process can take several months, depending on court availability and how complicated these arrangements become during negotiations between parents.
In addition, if either spouse has significant assets such as real estate holdings, investment accounts, or 401Ks, these need to be divided equitably according to state law, which could add additional time to your overall timeline for completing your divorce proceedings successfully.
How to Expedite Your Divorce
If expediting the divorce is a priority, there are several things that can be done. First, each spouse should have their own checklist for divorce. Having the necessary documentation prepared ahead of time makes it possible to get a jumpstart on the divorce. Additionally, if a couple is interested in filing for a divorce as quickly as possible, they should prioritize amicable solutions to their problems. If the divorce ends in court, it will take more time to finalize.
Attorneys That Can Help in Ohio
The length of time needed to complete a divorce in Ohio varies based on numerous factors, including if it is contested or uncontested, the presence of minor children, and significant assets owned by either spouse(s). Generally speaking, uncontested divorces move more quickly. In contrast, contested ones take longer due to possible litigation between both parties.
It's important for any individual going through a divorce in Ohio to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide advice regarding how long this process might realistically take given your specific circumstances so that you know what kind of timeline you're looking at when filing for a dissolution of marriage in this state.
Wondering how long your divorce could take in Ohio? OUr team can help provide an answer to this question. You can contact Law Offices of William L. Geary today at (614) 289-1227 to speak with our attorneys.