The final steps to getting a divorce – Calling off your marriage is not an easy decision

 

Regardless of the circumstances, you’re going through, divorce is painful and complicated. When you seek a divorce, you need to navigate through the labyrinth of the legal process apart from tackling the financial and emotional challenges. Each divorce has its own specialty though most follow a similar format. If you’re new to this, you should check out the steps that you have to take in order to complete filing a divorce.

Key facts you should know about divorce

• It takes around 12 months to complete a divorce – right from filing for it to the finalization of judgment. In case your divorce is complex and it goes to trial, the time it may take is around 18 months.
• The average cost of completing a divorce in 2019 was around $15,900, which included $12,3000 as the fees of the attorney and the remaining in the form of other costs. The costs hike when the spouses are in disagreement and the case is taken to trial.
• A divorce attorney in Columbus can protect your rights, explain them to you, and take care of your responsibilities. He will walk you through the complexities of the divorce process.
• In most states, there is a type of no-fault divorce but nevertheless, you have to file according to legal aspects.

Steps to filing a divorce

#1: File the legal petition

The foremost step in a divorce process is a divorce petition. Regardless of who agrees to the divorce and who doesn’t, the petitioner, or one spouse, should file a petition requesting the court to legally terminate their marriage agreement. The petition should comprise:

• A statement where the spouse who files the divorce meets the residency requirements of the state
• A valid reason for divorce and
• Any other statutory details required by the state

#2: Ask for brief court orders

Courts are aware of the fact that waiting for a long span of time for the judge to give his final words on the divorce is not a feasible process. Hence, you can request the court for brief, short-lived orders regarding child support, child custody, and spousal support.

#3: Give proof of service to the court

As the above two steps are done, you need to file a document called proof of service. This document informs the court that you abide by the statutory requirements for serving your partner a copy of the petition. If you don’t properly serve this to your spouse, the judge can’t move on with the case.

#4: Come to a settlement

You need to negotiate a settlement with the court. The court will schedule a conference where you and your spouse will be present along with the attorney to discuss the case. The court may arrange mediation if it considers it an option.

When the judge signs the divorce judgment, this is the final step. This is the process that ends the marriage and mentions details on parenting time, custodial liabilities, and child support.