Once you make the decision to end your marriage, you may be eager to begin the process of filing for divorce as soon as possible. Unfortunately, divorce proceedings are complicated and can take months or even years to resolve.

The total duration of your particular case will depend on a variety of factors. Since every couple’s financial situation and family dynamic are different, there’s no universal timeline for developing and implementing a separation agreement. Even if you’re determined to streamline the proceedings, an issue that is totally out of your control can arise and cause an unexpected delay.

With guidance from a strategic family attorney, you may be able to avoid the most common disputes that couples face when pursuing a divorce. Your lawyer can also help you resolve any issues that do arise as swiftly as possible.

Read on to learn about three issues that could delay your divorce proceedings.

1. The opposing party is uncooperative.

FIling for divorce is inherently stressful, and emotions often run high. Because so much is at stake, especially if the couple shares children or valuable assets, even the most pragmatic individuals can find themselves making rash decisions or acting unreasonably during the negotiations.

If your spouse is uncooperative, it will almost certainly prolong the proceedings. Examples of such behavior include:

• Hiding assets
• Ignoring requests to respond or take action
• Consulting with an unreasonable number of attorneys before hiring one
• Switching lawyers in the middle of the proceedings

2. The divorce is contested.

In an uncontested divorce, the couple devises all the terms of the separation agreement on their own with the assistance of their attorneys. Although the negotiations can take some time, these proceedings tend to be much shorter than those required to finalized a contested divorce.

In a contested divorce, the couple cannot agree on the terms of the separation and must, therefore, enter litigation. Going before a family law judge can add a considerable amount of time to the total duration of the proceedings.

3. The waiting period has not passed.

In the state of Indiana, there is a 60-day waiting period for finalizing a divorce. That means the couple will remain legally married for at least two months after filing their dissolution petition. Even if they have an uncontested divorce and determine all the terms of the separation agreement in a matter of weeks, a family law judge will not sign off on the divorce until at least 60 days have passed.

Call (765) 742-9046 to speak with a divorce attorney in Lafayette.

If you want to end your marriage, a divorce lawyer from Ball Eggleston can help you navigate every stage of the proceedings. From your initial consultation to the day your divorce is finalized, we will do everything in our power to protect your personal and financial interests. Call (765) 742-9046 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with a family lawyer in Lafayette.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

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Ball Eggleston—a Lafayette, Indiana law firm—is located at 201 Main Street, Suite 810 P.O. Box 1535 Lafayette, IN 47902. Contact Ball Eggleston by phone at (765) 742-9046, by fax at (765) 742-1966, or by email at info@ball-law.com. For additional information, find Ball Eggleston online at www.ball-law.com.

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Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.