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Obviously if you and your spouse can come to an agreement as to all material terms, the process can be completed much quicker. A reasonable time period for many cases is about six months. This period of time is measured from the date when the party who initiated the divorce case filing gets the case on file, serves the other party with process and then the other party files his or her legal response with the court (generally an answer and counter-petition).
Even when a divorce process is final through a settlement agreement or even a trial where the judge has made rulings and decisions, the case is not final and you are not considered legally divorced until the Judge signs your Decree of Divorce (in Kansas) or the Judgment Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (in Missouri). From the filing of the case to having the judge enter the final judgment or order, there are quite a few required forms and steps that must be completed even in a non-contested divorce.
Is it Possible the Divorce Process Will Take Longer than Six Months?
Generally speaking, six months is a reasonable average in a situation where everything goes according to plan. In both, Kansas and Missouri, there is a 30-day minimum waiting period (at a minimum) to get a divorce (if a settlement agreement is quickly entered into), often when things are not agreed upon, the divorce process can take significantly longer than six months. There is not a maximum limit for the amount of time a case could take to wrap up and conclude. In some situations, the legal issues involved could result in the divorce process taking longer. Some of the complicating factors that could cause a case to last longer than average include child custody issues, complicated or complex asset division, business valuation and division, attempts to track hidden assets or income, among other issues.
How does Cooperation Benefit Both Parties in a Divorce Process?
If both parties have experienced divorce or family law attorneys guiding them, each party will be able to understand and process a likely, expected outcome in the situation, given your unique case and facts. Skilled, experienced family law attorneys can collaborate or even work directly with the opposing party (if he or she chooses to not be represented) to work through the issues in controversy in a cooperative fashion., seeking a fair and equitable outcome for both parties.
If you are seeking a divorce or dissolution of marriage in Kansas or Missouri, it is important that you work with an experienced family law attorney to plan and set reasonable time frames to conclude your case. Please call Pingel Family Law at (816) 208-8130 to consult about your case and situation and to prepare for and plan for an expeditious resolution of your case.