Divorce rates are at an all-time high, and the number of people filing for divorce might go up further in the future. There are multiple reasons why people might want to end up a marriage and seek a legal separation. Divorces have become common in all parts of the world and among couples across all age groups.
Deciding to file for divorce and continuing with the entire legal proceedings can be tiring and stressful. Hence whenever people have finalized the decision to separate, the first thing that they do is seek professional help. If someone is looking for a law firm, they can find here family law consultants here who can make the process of divorce smooth and fast.
Reasons Why Fast Resolution Of Divorce Is Desirable
The Get Out Of Legal Hassles Soon
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Most legal proceedings are stressful and time-consuming. If the divorce has been filed on the grounds of domestic abuse, it will most likely involve some police investigation, and the regular visits to the police station, giving testimony in court, meeting counselors etc., can be a harrowing experience. Most people want to get on with their lives as fast as possible, and quickening the process is always desirable.
Resolving Custody Matters
Dissolution of marriage often involves nasty custody battles. Minor children of the couple are the worst sufferers in the entire process. As long as the proceeding goes on, the fate of the minor children remains undecided. This delay and indecisiveness affect their mental health, education etc. Hence sensible parents want a quick decision for the sake of their children’s well-being.
Resolving Financial Matters
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Dissolution of marriage also involves resolving a lot of financial issues. Matters like division of property, inheritance of assets and also joint debts. Since the fate of all the assets of the couple is locked up in a legal battle, there cannot be any further investments or financial dealings. Hence a quick resolution frees up the financial assets, which can be utilized better.
6 Ways That Can Help Speed Up Divorce Proceedings
Go For A No Fault Divorce
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In this case, both the parties mutually decide not to put the blame on anyone. Naturally, in such cases, no contestation is involved; nobody requires to produce evidence against the other. Also, there is no investigation involving the police.
Hence, in such cases, divorce papers need to be filed and granted quickly. In some countries, the couple has to spend six months to one year together to see if they can resolve their differences. However, if they cannot adjust and continue living with each other, the divorce is usually granted in a pretty straightforward manner.
Research Well Before Hiring A Legal Representative
The legal representative people hire to fight their case has a vested interest in dragging the proceeding. Since they get paid for every hearing they represent the client, they earn more if the case goes on for long.
Thus, it is vital to do proper research before hiring a lawyer. If somebody in the friend circle or family has hired a family lawyer and is satisfied with their services, then that particular law firm can be consulted.
Be Honest With The Lawyer
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A lawyer drafts the petition based on the information that the client provides. If a person withholds crucial information out of privacy concerns or fear of retribution, they might end up delaying their own case.
Thus, it is very important to be honest with the lawyers, be it financial matters, adultery-related issues or extramarital affairs.
Dealing With The Delaying Tactics Of The Opposing Party
At times one particular spouse might benefit if the final decision is delayed. In such cases, the other party’s lawyer might use delaying tactics like asking the court for more time, raising trivial issues in court etc.
In some countries, there are laws to get sanctions against the opposing party and get them to cover the charges and extra expenses for the delay. California has such statutes, which can be used wisely to curb such delaying tactics.
Seek Mediation
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Mediation, where both the parties sit and come to a decision which is acceptable to both, is an excellent way to end matters faster. In case the issue goes to court, and the case gets decided on merits, the matters tend to get longer as each party tries to get the upper hand.
Hence, in family matters, it is better to avoid courts and go for a mediation, which is a peaceful way to sort things out before they get nasty in court.
Get The Financial Matters In Order
Matters drag in court for years because the case itself is complicated. If there are contesting claims on insurance, pension money, inheritance, loans, or joint property, the matter is bound to go on for long. Hence it is always wise for both parties to have every financial deal in writing.
For instance, every time a couple buys a property together, the property should be registered with both their names.
Likewise, signing up for a prenuptial agreement before marriage can be a good idea. These agreements clearly state who will get what in case a separation happens. Thus, prenup agreements can quicken the divorce proceeding to a great extent.
Come To A Consensus
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Matters get sorted faster if the entire family has come to a consensus. Usually, when a divorce is filed, the other spouse receives a notification they have to accept. If there is consensus and all the matters have been discussed, then the other spouse can readily accept the petition. In such cases, the proceedings can start immediately.
Also, involving the gets can prepare them mentally, and the entire process can wind up smoothly.
Conclusion
Divorce proceedings can happen fast and smoothly if the parties are willing to talk and discuss matters. Lengthy legal proceedings cause a strain on both the personal and professional lives of individuals. Hence being cautious and taking a few simple steps to make the process faster ensures that things do not get bitter.
