Local divorce cases typically take place at the county courthouse, and as long as the proper processes are followed, a divorce can be finalized within three to four months. Divorce begins with collecting all the relevant documentation, filing a complaint against a spouse, and serving them this complaint.
The spouse filing the complaint needs to sign it in front of a notary to confirm that the contents are true and accurate. It is crucial for the complaint to accurately include the date the marriage started, the date of separation, and confirmation that both parties have been living apart and separated for more than a year.
Once served, a spouse has 30 days to respond to the complaint. If this time expires, the spouse filing for divorce can submit something called a motion of summary judgement. This order requests a judge to settle the divorce without a trial or hearing. In some counties, an attorney might need to go in front of a judge and submit the order.
What Might Draw Out a Divorce?
While divorce is often a relatively straightforward process, there are some factors that might draw it out or make it more complicated. For instance, if the opposing party decides to file a counterclaim regarding alimony or marital assets, a divorce might take longer to settle. Thankfully, a proactive legal representative knows how to keep a divorce as efficient and on-track as possible.
How Much Does the Divorce Process Cost?
The largest cost associated with divorce is a $225 filing fee. After you pay this, the rest of the costs depend on whether you use a local post office, a Sheriff, or publication to effectuate service. For instance, a Sheriff might charge $30 to serve a divorce complaint.
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