When you decide to proceed with a divorce, you likely want to exit the marriage as soon as possible. However, regardless of the circumstances, divorces require emotional energy, financial resources, and time to tie up all of the loose ends of the marriage.
There are a variety of factors that may impact your divorce timeline. For example, divorce may take longer if you and your spouse have minor children. In addition, a contested divorce generally takes longer than an uncontested divorce, as an agreement or judicial ruling is required on all sensitive issues before finalizing the divorce.
How Much Time Does It Take To Get Divorced In Michigan?
The clock starts ticking as soon as divorce papers are filed with the circuit court.
If you do not have minor children, you will be subject to a 60-day mandatory waiting period before finalizing your divorce. The waiting period is six months if you have children with your spouse. In certain circumstances, your divorce attorney may be able to reduce the six-month waiting period if a compelling reason exists.
The minimum waiting period is not always the best indicator of how long your divorce will take. Divorces may take more time, depending on whether or not the divorce is contested or uncontested.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce
Sometimes, both parties can collaborate to resolve the finer points of the divorce without litigation. Uncontested divorces are faster and require fewer moving parts. That said, the degree to which you believe you and your partner can come to an amicable agreement should not be a factor in your decision to retain or not retain a lawyer. The 60-day statutory waiting time allows couples to thoroughly evaluate their assets in consultation with legal experts before finalizing their divorce agreement.
Divorces are often more complicated. For example, a contested divorce may be necessary if you and your partner disagree on child support, property ownership, asset and debt division, and other divorce terms. A skilled family law attorney can help you reach a favorable outcome. Still, your divorce may exceed the 60-day/6-month timeline (if you have children), depending on how lengthy the negotiations are.
Attempting to speed up the process may not be in your best interest. Some clients may concede to unfair terms in their haste to finish the process. Your divorce lawyer will help you assess the circumstances of your divorce and advocate for the most beneficial timeline for your unique situation.
