Why Does Discovery Feel Like It’s Taking So Long?

We know—you want to be on the other side of your divorce. That’s completely natural. But how you get there matters.The decisions you make now will shape your future for years to come, so you don’t want to rush for the sake of speed—you want to get it right.

Discovery is where we exchange crucial financial information, laying the foundation for smart, strategic decisions about settlement. Even if it doesn’t feel like progress, this stage empowers you by ensuring you have the knowledge to navigate your case effectively.

In Connecticut, you typically have 60 days to respond to discovery requests. However, courts tend to grant extensions because in this regard they prioritize accuracy over speed. This process requires accuracy—and that’s exactly what we’re focused on.

What Slows Down Discovery?

Here’s why it can feel like discovery is taking longer than expected:

• Volume of Information – Both you and your spouse need to gather, organize, and review everything from tax returns to bank statements to business records. It’s a lot.
• Delays in Responses – Banks, employers, accountants, and even the other spouse’s attorney don’t always move quickly.
• Hidden Assets – If something doesn’t add up, we may recommend forensic experts to dig deeper.
• Negotiation & Strategy – Discovery isn’t just about collecting paperwork; it shapes our entire legal strategy. Sometimes, new information leads to more discovery beyond the standard mandatory disclosure and production.
• Court Extensions – If there’s a dispute, we may need to ask the court to step in, which can add weeks or months to the process.

Discovery Is an Ongoing Duty

Discovery isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuing obligation throughout your case. That means:

✔ You’ll need to provide updated financial documents as they become available (like new bank statements or pay stubs).

✔ If your financial situation changes—such as getting a new job or a significant shift in income—you’ll need to disclose it.

✔ As we analyze information, we may need to investigate further. That’s not a delay—it’s how we make sure you fully understand your financial picture.

✔ As discovery unfolds, we may recommend advanced discovery techniques like depositions, requests for admissions, subpoenas, or expert evaluations to get more clarity on key issues. These tools help us uncover crucial information that might not surface through basic document exchange.

How You Can Make Discovery More Efficient & Effective

While we’re committed to keeping your case moving forward, there are steps you can take to help make the discovery process as smooth as possible:

✅ Stay Organized – Keep financial documents (bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, retirement account statements, etc.) in one place so they’re easy to access.

✅ Respond Promptly – The faster you provide requested documents, the faster we can move things forward. Delays on your end can slow the entire process.

✅ Provide Complete Information – If we ask for documents from the past two years, don’t send just one statement—send everything requested upfront to avoid follow-ups.

✅ Be Proactive – If you anticipate needing to track down certain documents, start gathering them before we ask.

✅ Communicate with Us – If you’re having trouble accessing a document or need help, let us know right away so we can help strategize solutions.

Read: Why Does Divorce Feel Like It Takes So Long?

Why This Process Matters

Even when it feels like you’re stuck gathering paperwork—or waiting for your spouse to turn over theirs— real work is happening. Everything we gather, everything we analyze, is moving you forward, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

The result? You’ll be in the strongest possible position when it’s time to negotiate or litigate. The choices you make now will impact your life for years to come, and we’re here to make sure you make them from a place of strength, knowledge, and confidence.

At Freed Marcroft, we’re not just here to check boxes. We’re here to make sure you’re fully prepared to take control of your future—the right way.