A Divorce Timeline

     If you are getting a divorce, you probably have a lot of questions. You want to know what to expect and when to expect so there are no surprises. This is normal and it is what thousands of people go through every year. If you are considering filing for divorce, the first thing you should do is contact a reputable attorney that specializes in divorce cases. A divorce attorney can answer your questions and give you the advice you need to get through this very difficult time.

     For many, the big question is when does everything happen and in what order? The divorce attorneys at the Gorodetsky Law Group has created this divorce timeline that can give you an idea of what to expect when getting a divorce:

·        One spouse has a lawyer create a petition for divorce which explains why he or she wants a divorce and how he or she wants to settle financial, custody, and other issues.

·        The lawyer then files the petition with the court.

·        The court ensures that the petition is served on the other spouse, along with a summons that requires that spouse's response.

·        The served spouse must respond to the petition for divorce within a predetermined amount of time. The answer says whether or not the served spouse agrees with the petition and how he or she would prefer to deal with the divorce decisions.

·        The couple exchanges financial documents and information.

·        Sometimes, the couple can voluntarily resolve all their issues through mediation or settlement. Some states require that divorcing couples go through this process.

·        If the couple can reach a settlement, a settlement agreement is shown to a judge at an informal hearing.

·        If the judge approves the settlement agreement, he or she gives the couple a divorce decree that shows what they agreed to.

·        If the judge declines the divorce settlement, the couple will be scheduled a trial date.

·        At trial, attorneys will present evidence and arguments for each side. The judge will then decide any unresolved issues, including child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and property division.

·        Once a decision is reached, the judge then grants the couple a divorce.

·        If either spouse disagrees with the judge’s decision, they can file an appeal in a higher court.

     The divorce process can last months in some cases, to years in others depending on how quickly an agreement can be made. The more the couple can cooperate and agree to reasonable compromises, the faster the divorce will go.

     If you are considering divorce, contact the Gorodetsky Law Group now and speak to a divorce attorney that will listen to you today.

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