The process of a divorce is usually long and strenuous, both emotionally and financially. With a divorce comes a life-changing decision, potential conflict with your spouse, and uncertainty regarding the future. Oftentimes individuals going through a divorce wonder why the process is taking so long, and there are a number of factors that can affect the timeline of a divorce. Although every single divorce case is unique, this article will review some of the most common reasons that divorces can be delayed and take a significant amount of time to finalize.
Child Custody and Visitation Conflict
If the couple getting divorced has children, this usually means the divorce will take longer than if they do not have children. When children are involved in a divorce, child custody, visitation rights, and child support all need to be taken into consideration, which may cause dispute. The court always takes into consideration what is best for the child, so this may be extra time consuming. Interviews, financial evaluations, and court hearings are necessary to determine what is best for the children, and this generally takes up some time.
Financial Situations
Depending on the divorce case, complex financial situations can lengthen the divorce process. If a couple has a significant amount of investments, properties, and assets, finding a fair decision where both parties are satisfied can be a challenge. The division of assets and properties generally requires financial experts, appraisers, and more, which can add to the lengthy process of a divorce.
Overcrowded Court Systems
Overcrowded court dockets and court backlogs are common in some jurisdictions. The combination of a high volume of divorce cases and limited legal resources can cause significant delays in the court system. Many times divorce proceedings are scheduled months in advance due to these backlogs. Both judge and courtroom availability play a role in the length of a divorce case.
High Conflict Cases
A couple with high levels of conflict and emotional distress involved in their divorce can make the process more complicated than it already is. A high conflict divorce makes determining important issues such as child custody, asset division, and spousal support far more difficult and complex. Miscommunication and maliciousness can certainly significantly impact the timeline of a divorce.
Complexity of Paperwork
A divorce requires a significant amount of complex paperwork, including legal documents, financial disclosures, and asset inventories. If you are unfamiliar with the legal process of a divorce and the paperwork it requires, filing can take quite some time. If mistakes or deadlines are missed regarding divorce paperwork, delays are almost certain. It is advised that you consult with a Florida family law attorney in order to effectively and efficiently work through your divorce with support.
Every single divorce case is unique, and the amount of time it takes for a divorce to finalize can vary on a case-by-case basis. It is completely normal to feel frustrated by the complexities of divorce, but it is important to be as patient as possible and seek both legal and professional help during this hard time.