Fast Divorce
All but a few states place restrictions on the minimum time required before dissolution of the marriage will
be granted by the court. A fast divorce may be granted in a mater of days, subject to the time required for
processing documents. More often, 60 to 90 days are required after filing, as a waiting period, designed as a
mandatory cool-down option to reconsider long term effects. Historically, mandatory counseling and long
cool-down periods produce slight decreases in the conversion of filings to final decrees.
Note when filing:
The availability of the dissolution of marriage, property distributions, and child support requirements are
unique to each state because of variations in divorce decisions rendered by courts. As new cases are decided, new precedents
establish variations in application. For this reason, everyone considering filing should consult local legal
counsel. Best results are obtained through careful planning with legal counsel before committing to any course
of action. Also be aware that filing creates a permanent public record. These records are rarely withdrawn,
expunged or deleted absent extraordinary circumstances. Public records are available to anyone who inquires for
a nominal fee.
A primary consideration driving the development of new laws revolves around children of the marriage.
Children are typically not represented by attorneys in proceedings, yet are considered, as a matter of judicial
and public policy, to have an overriding interest in the outcome. The needs of children financially,
socially, parentally and educationally are considered the joint responsibility of parents.
Courts are charged with responsibility to protect all interests of children in family
court despite agreed requests of parents which may be inconsistent.
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