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Going through a divorce is an incredibly challenging time. When your divorce is long and drawn out, it delays when you can begin the process of healing and moving on. Some states require mandatory waiting periods for how soon a divorce can be finalized. Let’s discuss Utah’s rules for divorce waiting periods, and what else you can do to speed up the divorce process.
Average Length of Divorce
There are two main types of divorces: uncontested and contested. An uncontested divorce occurs when spouses are able to agree on the logistics of their divorce and quickly come to solutions. When this happens, the divorce can take as little as one month. However, the average length of time is about 3 months from filing to finalization.
A contested divorce occurs when spouses do not see eye-to-eye about the divorce as a whole or certain logistics, like the child custody arrangement. When this happens, the process takes longer as the couples need to negotiate or litigate. A contested divorce will typically go on for about 9 months to a year.
Utah’s Mandatory Waiting Period
In Utah, couples are required to wait 30 days before their divorce can be finalized. This means that even if you are able to settle your divorce in just a couple of weeks, it cannot legally be finalized until 30 days have passed from the date the Petition for Divorce was first filed.
Many states enact a waiting period of between 30 to 90 days in case spouses are able to reconcile before finalizing their divorce. Then, this will save them the trouble of needing to get remarried. However, this mandatory waiting period is also criticized for being an overstep in people’s lives. To learn more about the Utah divorce waiting period, contact our Salt Lake City divorce law attorney at Lokken & Putnam, P.C..
If You Have Children
Some states require a longer waiting period for couples with children. Utah, however, does not. Instead, spouses who share children are required to take a divorce education class and a divorce orientation course. Both courses are offered online.
The classes:
- Explain how children will experience their divorce
- Gives helpful tips for how to help your children through the change
- Explain the impact parental conflict has on children
- Discuss the importance of co-parenting
Speeding Up Your Divorce
There are steps you can take to ensure the quickest divorce possible.
- Be ready to make compromises
- Have realistic expectations
- Try mediation
- Save up money beforehand
- Work with an attorney
Remember, as your needs change, you can seek modifications for the arrangements you make during your divorce proceedings.
Salt Lake City Divorce Attorneys
Once you have decided it is time for you and your spouse to go your separate ways, one of the first things you should do is contact a divorce lawyer. At Lokken & Putnam, P.C., we can help guide you through the divorce process and work with you to finalize your divorce as quickly as possible. Learn more about your options; give us a call at (801) 829-9783.
