How Long Does Divorce Take?

Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer as to exactly how long a divorce will take. The length of your divorce proceedings will depend on a number of factors, the biggest one being whether your divorce is contested. If you and your spouse agree on all aspects of the divorce — including the division of assets and liabilities, alimony (spousal support), child support, parental responsibility (custody), and time-sharing (visitation) — then your divorce may be finalized in just a few months. It usually takes a few weeks to prepare, sign, and file the divorce paperwork, and then you’ll need to wait for a final hearing, which will often take place just a few months later.

If you disagree about any of these matters, however, the court will need to get involved, and your divorce proceedings could be extended for several months or even years. Right off the bat, a contested divorce will take longer than an uncontested one because the spouse who’s filing for divorce will need to prepare more extensive paperwork, and then serve the other spouse with those papers. Once service is complete, the other spouse will have time to respond, and then both spouses will have to complete the financial disclosure and discovery process. You’ll then have to participate in mediation, and if you can’t reach an agreement there, you’ll need to attend depositions and prepare for a full trial.

Skilled Divorce Attorneys Serving Clients in the Tampa Bay Area

If you’re in the midst of a divorce and you could use the help of an experienced family law attorney, turn to the Law Offices of Audrey A. Jefferis, P.A. We proudly serve clients across the Tampa Bay area — including those in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando Counties — and we can help you during this difficult time. Contact us today to set up a consultation at our main office in New Port Richey or our satellite office in Palm Harbor.