If you know anything about divorces in North Carolina, you are probably already aware that they can be an incredibly lengthy process. This is largely because a one-year separation period is required before couples in North Carolina can move forward with their divorces. One of the main purposes of this law is to give couples a chance to reconcile. However, many couples in North Carolina are frustrated by this long wait time, especially when it is painfully clear that their marriage will never be fixed. Some couples in North Carolina might look enviously at other states, where it is theoretically possible to resolve and finalize divorces in a matter of months (or even weeks).
However, there are several steps you can take to make your divorce in Iredell County move as quickly as possible. It is important to understand the various factors involved in filing for divorce if you want to approach your divorce efficiently. You should also be aware of any potential complications that could slow down your divorce in Mooresville.
Of course, your best resource during this period will be an experienced divorce attorney in Iredell County. A legal professional can help you approach your divorce in a confident, expedited manner. With the right family law attorney, you can shave months, or even years, off your divorce process. Having a skilled lawyer on your side can help you avoid many of the common pitfalls that can needlessly slow down the divorce process.
Create a Separation Agreement
If you want to resolve and finalize your divorce as quickly as possible, creating a solid separation agreement is one of the best things you can do. With a separation agreement in place, you and your spouse can file for an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on everything, including matters related to child support, child custody, alimony, the division of marital property, and other issues that might cause dispute. Because there are no issues to resolve in court, a couple seeking an uncontested divorce can breeze through the legal system.
It is vital to draft your separation agreement properly. If your agreement is invalidated because of errors or other issues, you will have to start over at square one. This is why it is so important to have a qualified attorney working with you while you negotiate with your spouse and plan out your agreement. An attorney can draft your separation agreement to ensure that it is valid and recognized in court.
So, how long does an uncontested divorce actually take in North Carolina? After your one-year separation period, you can file a Complaint for Divorce, and your spouse will be served with the document. If they respond immediately, you can move forward, and your judgment of divorce will be issued and signed within 45-90 days. This means that after that one-year separation period is complete, you can finalize your divorce within 45 days.
Avoid a Contested Divorce
If you want to resolve your divorce as quickly as possible, you should do everything in your power to avoid a contested divorce. A contested divorce is when spouses do not agree on matters related to their divorces, such as child support or alimony. In this case, you will have no choice but to have these matters resolved by the judicial system in a process that can be very lengthy, expensive, and tiresome. Couples should carefully consider whether it is worth disputing certain details of their divorce when creating a separation agreement. Sometimes, compromises are the best way forward, especially if your priority is to get divorced as quickly as possible.
What if My Spouse Does Not Want to Get Divorced?
There is not much your spouse can do to stop the divorce process. North Carolina’s divorces are “no-fault,” which means you do not have to prove anything specific in order to end the marriage. However, your spouse can slow down the process considerably. Your spouse has up to 30 days to respond to your Complaint for Divorce, and they may request an additional 30 days to respond after that time limit is up. Your spouse can also simply refuse to create a separation agreement, which forces you go to court.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you are serious about resolving your divorce as quickly as possible, you should enlist the help of a divorce attorney at your earliest convenience. As soon as you get help from a legal professional, you can begin the process of resolving your divorce as quickly as possible. If you have been searching Iredell County for a family law attorney who can assist you with this, look no further than We will help you employ strategies that can speed up the divorce process. Reach out today, and you can move on with your life.
