It’s reasonable to want to know what to expect for a timeline when you file for divorce. In our experience, most divorces take a few months to over a year. So, how do you know where your divorce will likely fall in that range? Will it take a few months or a few years? The divorce timeline in Connecticut isn’t set in stone, but certain factors tend to impact the length of a divorce. If timing is your top priority, our divorce attorneys can work with you to help you understand what you can do to impact the timeline and stay one step ahead.
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What is the Waiting Period in Connecticut Divorces?
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Connecticut?
What is the Waiting Period in Connecticut Divorces?
Where To File for Divorce in Connecticut
There are 15 Connecticut divorce and family courts. Divorce and Family Law cases are filed in the Connecticut Divorce Court that covers the town or city where you or your spouse or partner lives. Sometimes, a town is served by more than one courthouse – giving you an option. In other words, you can choose between two courthouses depending on where you live. When you work with a divorce attorney, we use our experience with the various courthouses to your advantage. For example, some courthouses tend to move more quickly than others. Freed Marcroft’s divorce attorneys practice throughout Connecticut’s divorce courthouses. As a result, we are familiar with the different Connecticut Divorce courthouses and can help select the one that is more likely to work best for your goals for your divorce.
Expected Divorce Timeline
The average divorce at Freed Marcroft lasts 4 to 18 months. Couples who can reach agreements outside of court tend to have quicker divorces. Those with more bitterness tend to take longer, given the additional time spent in and waiting for divorce court hearings.
The two spouses are the most critical factors contributing to the length of a divorce case. Many complex topics are involved in these proceedings, such as finances, child custody, and parenting plans. If the spouses can agree on decisions, it runs a lot smoother.
The lawyers the spouses choose to represent them can also impact the timeline. Some divorce attorneys respond promptly and actively encourage and assist clients in resolving issues outside divorce court. Others aren’t as proactive, primarily paying attention to the case when a court date is imminent. Some attorneys even fan the flames, impeding settlement and resulting in delays and more issues decided by the Court. At Freed Marcroft, we focus on your goals. We advocate for you inside and outside the courthouse. We both seek common ground outside of court divorce court and argue before Court for your desired result. For some people, the outcome is ultimately more important than how fast it happens. Others are willing to be flexible on the settlement to complete the divorce more quickly.
What Factors Can Extend the Divorce Timeline?
Beyond the acrimony between the parties, some relatively complicated situations may extend the divorce timeline. For example, a divorce will take longer if there is a family trust, a complex job-based compensation plan, or a closely held business in which one or both spouses are owners.
If spouses have different parenting schedules, that may also stretch out the divorce timeline in Connecticut. In addition, a parent with an unusual work schedule, such as overnight or weekend hours, might require a creative solution. For example, if one parent is an ER doctor and works overnights, must be on-call, or doesn’t know their schedule in advance, it will be challenging to figure out a parenting plan that works for both children and parents.
The distance between parents’ homes can delay a divorce. For example, we work with parents outside of Connecticut or the country. Significant geographic distance can prolong the divorce because finding a parenting solution for the entire family is more complicated.
Talk To a Connecticut Attorney About the Potential Timeline for a Divorce
Some divorces take less than a year, but some variables can make for more protracted negotiations. For example, if one spouse owns a closely held business and the other has a complicated work schedule, there will be much to sort out. But, on the other hand, if those two people are committed to finding reasonable solutions for their children and themselves, the divorce should be much easier.
If you have questions about the timeline for your potential divorce in Connecticut, contact Freed Marcroft to discuss your options.
