Fast Divorce

How fast is fast? In the United states, the waiting period for a fast divorce ranges between 0 to 24 months. In Canada a 12 month waiting period is mandatory, after proof of legal separation, unless proof of infidelity or cruelty is provided under a statutory criminal standard. European nations may require much longer waiting periods and also have a lower rate of termination of marriage.

U.S. Fast Divorces

All states place restrictions on fast divorces using minimum waiting periods before dissolution of the marriage will be granted by the court - except Nevada - which has no residency or waiting requirements. For most states, 30 to 90 days are required after filing, to allow spouses an opportunity to reconcile. Historically, mandatory marital counseling (accredited) and longer waiting periods decrease conversion rates of filings to final decrees.

World Fast Divorces

The term "fast" is relative. The U.S. rate in 2002 was 41 of every 1000 couples.  This U.S. rate is similar to rate in Russia which is 43 of every 100 couples. Worldwide, the rate of termination is significantly lower than in the U.S. and Russia by about half, with China experiencing one of the lowest average annual rates of 7 of every 1000 couples. In Europe, waiting periods range between 0 to 6 years, and many countries require mandatory marriage counseling before courts consider termination. Of countries with at least a 3 year waiting period and a mandatory counseling requirement, 20 of every 1000 couples eventually terminate their marriage. The rationale supporting greater waiting periods and mandatory counseling is the general public policy of supporting marriage and stability of traditional families through legislation, through both financial incentives and mandatory restrictions.

See Also: No Fault, Fast, Filing, Quick Questions