When people file for divorce, they may want to complete the process as quickly as possible. The transition period in the midst of filing can be a time of anxiety and uncertainty. Taxes, household bills, social invitations and parenting issues can all trigger conflicts.
Spouses frequently want to settle matters as quickly as they reasonably can to begin rebuilding their lives after a divorce. While some states offer incredibly streamlined divorce proceedings, others expect spouses to consider the situation carefully before everything moves forward. Georgia is one of the states that mandates a cooling-off period between an initial filing and when the courts will start moving forward with the divorce process.
How long must spouses wait after filing divorce petitions?
Estimating the duration of divorce proceedings can be difficult. The actual timeline for a divorce depends largely on the spouses. The more disagreements they need to resolve, the longer the divorce may take. When they file paperwork can also influence the process, as the volume of cases the courts have pending can affect the speed of the process.
Spouses who are aware of the rules for divorce can time their filings more effectively. The cooling-off period in Georgia is 30 days. After a full 30 days have passed, the courts can move forward with the divorce proceedings.
When spouses pursue an uncontested divorce based on terms set through mutual agreement, the divorce process may not require much more than a few months. In scenarios where litigation is necessary, divorce can take substantially longer to complete.
Working with a family law attorney can help people understand the divorce process, including the likely timeline given their current circumstances. Those preparing for divorce may want to discuss their options and learn more about state statutes before they file any official paperwork accordingly.