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Three Things that Slow Down the Divorce Process

On Behalf of | Jul 14, 2018 | Family Law, Rapier & Bowling

While emotionally complicated to be certain, the practical, legal process of getting a divorce seems pretty straightforward. You file the necessary paperwork and receive the declaration ending the marriage. However, the emotional and the practical are not easily separated. There are some situations that commonly increase the time and frustration of a divorce. Learn how to prevent common issues that slow down the divorce process, so it goes as smoothly as possible.

Holding on to an Unrepairable Marriage

Divorce still happens, despite the bright-eyed, good intentions that go into wedding vows. It happens in every state; witness the Census Bureau statistics used in USA Today’s February 2018 “Broken Hearts” article. Bedford Heights was cited as having the highest divorce population in Ohio, 19.3%, compared to the state average of 12.1%. There’s never an exact science as to why certain demographics or locations have higher divorce rates than others. Although ending a marriage isn’t the first or only answer to troubles, the option shouldn’t always be avoided either. Ohio is a no-fault divorce state, so you don’t have to prove transgressions in order to receive that decree. Yet sometimes people try to keep the marriage going, even when something grievous has occurred, and therapy has failed. There’s the proverbial “staying together because of the children,” or not wanting to fully acknowledge growing apart. Creating reasons to contest the divorce may delay the process, but will not skirt the inevitable. Stall tactics prolong the emotional distress and potentially cut into monies that could be applied to post-divorce endeavors.

Handling Everything Yourself Slows the Divorce Process

Sometimes handling legal matters by yourself proves counter-productive. Reviewing and understanding Ohio Code 3105.01 Divorce Causes isn’t as easy as it seems. The emotional dynamics of ending a marriage can be overwhelming, despite the resolve to keep feelings out of it. First, you have to adhere to residency requirements, if you have moved across state lines. Then you have to evaluate agreements made before or during the marriage, and determine:

  • division of property and assets
  • child custody
  • spousal support
  • pet custody
  • business affairs, if you also run a company together

A divorce attorney can check for things that slow down the divorce process, and handle those issues accordingly. He or she may recommend a court mediator to help expedite contested matters. It may also be worth considering seeking therapy while going through a divorce. A counselor can assist you with resolving your feelings and finding ways to move forward instead of delaying proceedings.Reach out to family and friends too, and ask for objective opinions regarding the process. Make time for yourself to focus on anything but the divorce, to relieve any stress, and refresh your perspective.

Fear of Starting Over

Even if you’re incredibly independent, you’ve nevertheless spent the last x amount of years building a life with someone else. The realization that you’re suddenly now back to running a household and balancing finances by yourself is daunting. In addition to these feelings, you and/or your ex may also be concerned with preparing for a child custody hearing. There’s also the uncertainty over dating again or dealing with your soon to be ex already in a new relationship. A quick divorce doesn’t immediately erase the emotional upheaval, but it doesn’t help to prolong it out of fear.   It’s important to be as prepared for the psychological effects of divorce proceedings, as it is for the technical components. Be aware of what slows down the divorce process, and enlist the appropriate assistance to aid you through this journey.

PHOTO: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

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