How you can help speed up your divorce

No one relishes the idea of going through a divorce. However, it’s often necessary to get out of a deeply unhappy, unfulfilling relationship and start your life anew.

Despite what you may have heard from friends or family, or what you’ve seen or read in the media about high-profile divorces, they don’t have to be long, drawn-out and combative. You want to take the time you need to make the right decisions throughout the process and work for a financial settlement and custody agreement that’s fair. However, there are things that you can do to avoid unnecessary and costly delays.

If you and your spouse can work together amicably, the divorce will likely move along at a reasonable pace. That means promptly producing all of the documents required. It also means signing and returning documents as soon as you can properly review them with your attorney.

When people procrastinate on these things, whether out of malice toward their spouse or because down deep, they really don’t want the marriage to be over, it only prolongs the process and can create frustration and conflict.

The sooner you can get your financial information, tax returns and other documents to your attorney, the sooner he or she can get started helping you. Your lawyer can likely tell you what documents are needed at your first meeting. Get to work assembling those right away.

Pick your battles. Don’t try to “win” on every issue. Neither you nor your spouse is going to get everything you want. Decide what is important to you and what you’re willing to compromise on.

Keep it out of court. If you and your spouse can’t agree on an issue and take it to a judge for a decision, it will cost you time and money. Further, you’re handing over a personal matter to someone who doesn’t know you. When couples can reach an agreement with their attorneys’ help, it’s generally best for everyone.

Your Arizona family law attorney can provide advice and guidance on getting through your divorce as quickly and painlessly as possible while still working toward getting results that are in your and your children’s best interests.

Source: Bravo TV, “Involved In A Messy Divorce? Here’s How To Speed It Up,” Jen Glantz, accessed Jan. 11, 2018