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Laurie Schmitt Family Law

W. Michigan family law specializing in Collaborative Divorce

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616.608.4634

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    • About Laurie Schmitt
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    • Spousal Support Modification
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Common Divorce Questions: How Long Does It Take to Get Divorced?

July 19, 2021 By Laurie Schmitt

Common Divorce Questions: How Long Does It Take to Get Divorced?

One of the most common questions divorcing couples ask is, “How long will it take?” The answer depends on how litigious the parties are.  The more issues they can agree upon between them means the less time they spend in court and the quicker their divorce can become final.  There are some statutory requirements that must be followed.

Divorce Requirements

Michigan law establishes waiting periods depending on the individual circumstances.

  • There is a two-month waiting period after the filing of the divorce petition for a couple who has no children.
  • There is a six-month waiting period after the filing of the divorce petition for a couple who has children.

A final divorce decree cannot be entered earlier than these established times.  Divorces generally take a lot more time when the parties cannot agree and court hearings are required for a judge to step in and make the decisions for them.  The only way divorce can really be final within these time frames is if the parties can agree on every issue.

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The More the You Can Agree the Quicker the Divorce.

When couples cannot agree on issues like how to divide the assets, child custody and visitation, child support, and spousal support, the longer the divorce will take.  Especially now with COVID-19 creating a backlog in court dates in most Michigan counties.

Finding common grounds on the these and other issues will mean getting to a final divorce settlement quicker.  This burden also falls on the attorneys who need to do what they can to encourage amicable agreements instead of dragging out the case with unnecessary litigation.

If the couple can set aside their emotions and treat the decisions like business decisions, the case can proceed faster to a final settlement.

Attorneys at Schmitt Law, PLLC, Can Help

Laurie K. Schmitt, founder of Schmitt Law, PLLC, is an Attorney, Mediator, and Collaborative Divorce lawyer.  When possible, she guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life.  Contact Laurie to schedule a consultation.  You can discuss how long to expect your divorce to take and to understand how she can help you in your unique circumstance.

Filed Under: Divorce Tagged With: Questions, Time Frame

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Laurie K. Schmitt
Attorney, Mediator, and Collaborative Lawyer

401 Hall Street SW
Suite 112D
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Phone: 616.608.4634

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Laurie Schmitt of Schmitt Law, PLLC is a West Michigan family law attorney specializing in collaborative divorce as well as separation, divorce, child custody and support, paternity, and other family law litigation. She is licensed by Michigan State Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and has extensive advanced training in divorce mediation and collaborative divorce.

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Member in Good Standing - 2023 - Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan

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Home | About Laurie Schmitt | Honors and Awards | Divorce | Uncontested Divorce | Collaborative Divorce | Mediation | Spousal Support and Modification | Annulments | Separate Maintenance | Alternative Divorce Options | Family Law | Limited Scope Services | Child Custody | Change of Domicile | Post Judgement Modification | Enforcement of Court Orders | Child Support | Paternity | Affidavit of Parentage | The Michigan Paternity Act | How Does A Paternity Case Work | Blog | Contact