Tips for expediting the divorce / separation process
If you are like many people going through a divorce or separation, you likely want the process to be as quick and amicable as possible. Getting to the other side of it can give you the space and opportunity to start a new chapter, and you likely feel like that can’t happen fast enough.
If this sounds like your situation, there are some things you can do and avoid doing to keep the divorce / separation process moving.
What you can do
If expediency is a priority, let us try to empower you to take steps to accomplish this. Some ways you can minimize both delays and aggravation include:
- Collect and organize your financial and other relevant evidence. Don’t argue with your lawyer about what needs to be produced.
- Prepare for your lawyer point form outlines and charts. These do help.
- Work with a family law lawyer who has the resources and knowledge to navigate the legal system efficiently.
- Stay in touch with your lawyer but don’t be a pest either!
- Be on time for all appointments.
- Commit to reaching agreements outside of court.
- Refrain from digging your heels in on issues that are less than central to you. Follow your lawyer’s advice.
- Avoid things like badmouthing your ex online, lying in court, or attempting to turn your child against your ex.
You have the power to do (or not do) these things. Remain focused; remain on track.
You can’t control everything
Unfortunately, some aspects of family law conflict will take time, and you cannot avoid or change that. You cannot control the court’s schedule or your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s behaviours. You cannot skip over critical legal paperwork, and taking shortcuts with things like your financial disclosure or parenting plans can ultimately prove to be costly mistakes.
Getting separated and/or divorced takes time. Generally, very simple divorces can take a matter of a few months. When there are complicated aspects of your separation / divorce (e.g., complex assets like business ownership), then it will take longer. Be patient.
Understanding what you can control in the divorce / separation process and what you cannot is important. It is also useful to know that some shortcuts or oversights will have long-term consequences. This can all be difficult to navigate when you already have so much on your plate, which is why working with a knowledgeable lawyer is a good the first step in moving the process along.
