Anyone thinking about divorce is likely to want the process to be over as fast as possible. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to expedite the process.
Hire a Lawyer
Thanks to the modern system of no-fault divorce, most cases are predominantly about paperwork. Anything that's messed up will lengthen the process so hire a divorce attorney to make sure you'll get it right. In the unlikely case, a judge has major legal questions, your lawyer can address those, too.
Your attorney can field your questions, too. They can explain how the system works, what the key dates are, and what you'll need to do. If there are notable differences between your case and the standard type, a divorce attorney will identify those early so you can address them sooner.
Focus on the Practical Factors
Even if you and your ex are divorcing in a relatively friendly fashion, there may be conflicts. Some conflicts have no bearing on the legal process, and you'll want to avoid bringing your divorce lawyer into those concerns.
For example, the no-fault system in America all but guarantees the court doesn't care who did what. This applies even in cases involving infidelity or abuse. While some of those issues might lead to other legal issues, that is not a problem for the divorce system.
Stick to the basics. Figure out what you'll need to survive economically in terms of spousal and child support. Identify the assets you have a legal claim to and demand them in the divorce. Negotiate where necessary, and skip the stuff that doesn't matter to you once you've negotiated for most of what you need.
Know the Critical Dates
Every state uses a somewhat distinct structure for divorce. A few will grant divorces as fast as the system can process them, but most require cooling-off periods. Make a note of when you filed, and determine when the cooling-off period will expire so you can finalize the paperwork as soon as possible.
Similarly, be aware of your state's rules for serving documents to the other party. This is especially important if your ex-partner is active in the military because there may be some time allowances for documents getting to them.
Also, you'll need to document that you properly served the papers to your ex, especially if they're not cooperative. If they avoid being served, you'll need to document the dates when you tried. If the problem persists, your divorce attorney can petition the court to move ahead without the other party.
For more information, contact a firm such as Daniels Law Firm, PLLC.
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