If you’re considering filing for a divorce, you may wonder how long it will take before this process is finalized. This is one of the most common questions regarding divorce, as many are eager to get this process over with as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, as all divorces are different, there are no concrete answers. Instead, you’ll need to consider the factors that influence your case to determine how long your divorce could take. The following blog and our St. Louis County divorce lawyers can help you get a better understanding of how long your case may take and the different factors that must be considered.
Are There Any Legal Requirements to File Divorce in Missouri?
Before you can officially file for divorce, it’s important to understand whether or not you meet the requirements to do so. First, you’ll need to meet the residency requirement. You can only file in the state if you or your spouse has been a resident of the state for at least ninety days.
Once you meet the residency requirements, you’ll need to determine if you have legal grounds for the dissolution of your marriage. Generally, this means you and your spouse have lived apart for at least 24 consecutive months or 12 months if you both agreed to the divorce. You can also file on the grounds of infidelity, unreasonable behavior, or abandonment for at least six months prior to filing.
What Factors Will Influence How Long This Process Will Take?
No two divorces are the same, so there is no exact timeline you can receive for your divorce. However, familiarizing yourself with the different factors that can influence how long this process takes can help you get a better idea of what to expect during this matter.
The first thing that can influence how long your divorce will take is whether or not is it contested. Typically, you’ll find that an uncontested divorce, in which you and your spouse can agree on all terms and conditions of the divorce, can take as little as 30 days to finalize. However, most uncontested divorces average three months.
If the dissolution of your marriage is contested, however, it can take much longer. When you and your spouse cannot agree on matters like custody, alimony, or property division, you may try several different methods to reach an agreement, like mediation, negotiation, and litigation. As such, your divorce can take considerable time but they typically take six months to one year to finalize.
You should also note that if you have particularly complex assets, such as investments, stocks, businesses, real estate, or cryptocurrency, it can prolong your divorce. This is because handling these assets can be incredibly complicated and takes longer than more simple assets.
As you can see, filing for divorce can be a complex process. That’s why it’s imperative to connect with an experienced divorce attorney with the Stobie Family Law Group. Our team can examine the circumstances of your case to help you fight for the best possible outcome in these matters. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you during this difficult chapter of your life.
