A divorce can be one of the most winding and complicated processes. According to Justia, it can take anywhere from zero to six months from the time of filing the initial divorce petition to when the divorce becomes final. Here are some things to expect after starting to file for a divorce.
What to Expect From the Receiving Spouse
If you are the one filing for divorce, you should expect an answer from the “defendant” or “respondent” within a prescribed amount of time. If your spouse fails to respond, this could result in the courts passing a “default” judgment against them. In most instances, this is quite complicated and expensive to reverse. While a response from the other party is a good thing, they won’t always be agreeable. They also have an option to dispute the grounds for divorce and the allegations that you would have made in the petition. Furthermore, they can also assert any disagreements linked to custody, support, and property.
Temporary Orders
The waiting period for divorce can be quite long. As such, arrangements can be made for couples that are not willing to put everything on hold until the divorce is finalized. For instance, if you are a stay-at-home parent and you are relying on your spouse for financial support, waiting six months without support can be impossible. This is why the courts allow you to ask for temporary court orders for spousal and child support. If you apply for a temporary order, the court will hold a hearing and require information from both spouses before passing a ruling. Temporary orders are usually granted quickly.
These are some of the things that you must expect after filing for divorce. The process can be lengthy or short, depending on whether it’s a contested or uncontested divorce. If you are looking for help with your divorce process, get in touch with us today.
