Divorce is defined as the legal termination of a marital relationship. Following the completion divorce process, the two spouses return to the legal status of being single and are then free to marry other people. Both marriage and divorce are key categories in family law that are generally governed by state legislation rather than federal law.
There is no denying the fact that divorce can be stressful and painful, regardless of the circumstances. Dealing with the harsh, emotional challenges of a break up along with navigating the legal system can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, there are several measures you can take to make the process easier for yourself and your family. It is imperative to hire an experienced and professional divorce attorney, as well as become familiar with the relevant divorce terms. The following is a brief overview of divorce that includes key legal terms you should know before beginning the process.
The cost of a divorce can vary depending on how amicable the separation agreement is. The median cost for a divorce in 2022 is around $7,000. This cost can include attorney’s fees, administrative costs, and fees for mediators or other negotiation advocates. Additionally, as the asset values at risk increase, the cost of a contested divorce can rise proportionately.
The answer to how long a divorce takes is as long as necessary. Many states have a minimum time that must be waited before a divorce can be finalized. This mandatory waiting period counts the days from the time that the spouse was served with divorce papers and typically ranges from 2-3 months.Â
However, this assumes that the divorce is amicable. In more contentious divorces there may be extended periods of negotiation, mediation, and settlement. If neither side is willing to compromise on the division of assets or custody of children, the process can take years.Â
A contested divorce is a divorce proceeding in which at least one major issue is not agreed upon. Common subjects of contest in a contested divorce include custody of children, division of assets, alimony amounts, and child support payment amounts. Contested divorces are the most expensive and the longest type of divorce proceeding because of the amount of time, money, and stress that goes into resolving the contested issue.
