How long does it take to get a divorce? It’s one of the top 5 questions we receive when speaking with our clients. Just as each divorce is unique, so is the timeline for each case. Several factors can affect the length of your divorce proceedings, including whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, the complexity of your situation, and court availability.
Uncontested Divorce in New York
Uncontested divorces are typically the fastest. An uncontested divorce means that both you and your spouse agree on all the major issues, including custody and parenting time, child support, alimony, and division of property and debt. Uncontested divorces typically do not require court appearances and therefore take less time. On average, an uncontested divorce can take 3 to 6 months from the time we file to the final judgment.
Contested Divorce in New York
When you and your spouse cannot agree on one or more of the major issues, the divorce becomes contested. A contested divorce could range from 9 months to several years, depending on the complexity of your situation. Factors that may impact the length of your case include court scheduling, custody disputes, and the complexity of the financial assets at issue.
Keeping the Timeline Moving
There will be aspects of your divorce that are out of your control and may impact how long the process takes. You can, however, take steps to avoid unnecessary delays. The more cooperative you and your spouse are with each other and your attorneys, the faster the process will go. Organization of important papers, such as financials, bank statements, deeds, loans, and pre- or post-nuptial agreements, will help keep the process moving. Being responsive to requests from your lawyer, your spouse, or their lawyer will also help avoid delays.
The bottom line is that each situation is unique, and that is why we take the time to fully understand you and your family dynamic. If divorce is the outcome you and your partner have reached, call us for a consultation.
