How Quick is a Collaborative Divorce?

One of the most important benefits of a collaborative divorce is the speed at which it can be resolved. Unlike litigated divorces that tend to drag on endlessly, a collaborative divorce can be wrapped up quickly and efficiently. Indeed, this is one of the main reasons why so many spouses in North Carolina opt for collaborative law rather than a litigated divorce. Even if spouses are intent on publicly shaming each other in a trial or fighting tooth and nail for child custody or spousal support before a judge, many usually bow to the inevitable and accept the much easier route of collaborative divorce.

But how quick is collaborative divorce, anyway? How quickly can you expect this process to be resolved from start to finish? Perhaps most importantly, why is collaborative divorce so quick in the first place? Are there any downsides to this speedy approach?

All of these questions and many others are best left answered by legal professionals. Although internet research is a positive first step, you really need to book a consultation with our qualified divorce attorneys in North Carolina to establish a clear picture of this process. Ideally, it would be best if you connected with a divorce lawyer who has experience with collaborative law, as we can explain this process to you and help protect your best interests. Not only that, but we can guide you forward and help you resolve your collaborative divorce.

A collaborative divorce is quick because it allows you to avoid the trial process. Make no mistake; divorces can get seriously bogged down in the courtroom. Endless delays, motions, appeals, you name it. If your spouse is intent on making this process as inconvenient and tiresome as possible, they can make your divorce drag on and on. This is often the case for spouses who are in denial and they want to avoid that moment when the divorce is finalized.

In contrast, a collaborative divorce does not rely on the legal processes that occur in a typical courtroom. Spouses and their attorneys can meet whenever it is convenient for them, and there is no need to wait for other cases to be resolved first. If both spouses are on the same page, there is really no need for the typical “back and forth” that occurs in a trial. Spouses can quickly draft up a separation agreement, sign it, and then bring it before a judge during a quick hearing. This entire process can take a matter of weeks, while some litigated divorces can take years to resolve.

If you want an exact estimate of how long your collaborative divorce will take, it is always best to consult with an attorney. Each divorce is different, so there is no universal timeline that applies to everyone. However, it is clear that a collaborative divorce will take a shorter amount of time compared to a litigated divorce.

Some attorneys promise that they can resolve all disputes and help spouses create separate agreements within a single day, although this probably will not work for everyone. The general consensus is that most collaborative divorces can be resolved within four to six meetings. If you meet once a week, this means that your divorce could be resolved in a month or so. However, you could also choose to meet two or three times per week, in which case you could create a viable separation agreement within just a few weeks.

There are a few things you can do to make this process move as quickly as possible. Firstly, you need to keep an open mind and be ready to compromise. This does not mean acquiescing to your spouse’s every demand, but things will move quicker if you are willing to make a few sacrifices. If your goal is to get this over with as quickly as possible, you should also be ready to provide as much information as possible during the first meeting. A collaborative divorce involves an informal discovery process, and you can help speed things up by providing any documents that your spouse requests.

If you have been searching the North Carolina area for a qualified, experienced divorce attorney, look no further than Arnold & Smith, PLLC. Over the years, we have amassed a great deal of experience with collaborative law, and we can help you resolve your divorce in the most efficient way possible. While speed is one of the key benefits of collaborative divorce, quality is important, as well.

With our help, you can resolve this process in an expedited manner while ensuring that your best interests are prioritized. If you would like to figure out exactly how quickly this process will take, feel free to book a consultation at your earliest convenience. Remember, each divorce is different, so reach out today, and we can help you with your unique situation.