When a couple decides to get married, divorce is often the last thing on their minds. However, even with the best intentions, sometimes relationships do not work out. While breaking up certainly isn't uncommon, having to go through the process of a divorce can make things more challenging. Somewhere between 40 and 50 percent of married couples in the US end up divorcing. If you and your partner are considering severing ties, there are a few things that you should be aware of. Here are three things to know when getting a divorce.
A Lawyer Can Help
If you are getting a divorce, hiring a divorce lawyer can be incredibly beneficial. While it is possible to go through the process without one, having a lawyer can make getting a divorce faster and easier. Even couples who are divorcing amicably should consider hiring legal help. A divorce lawyer will ensure that the proper paperwork is filed and that you are abiding by the rules that your state has set forth for divorces. The cost of lawyer fees varies depending on your situation and the lawyer, however, on average you can expect to pay between $150 and $350 per hour for their services.
Laws Vary From State to State
Another thing to consider when it comes to getting a divorce is that laws regarding divorce vary from state to state. Residency requirements in particular are something that you should look into before filing. Typically you will have to live in the state you are filing in for a certain amount of time before filing. Residency requirements are typically between three and six months in most states. Whether or not your partner lives in the same state can also play a role in where and when you can file.
How Long It Takes Varies
If you are getting a divorce, it's important to note that how long it takes can also vary. Things that can impact how long until your divorce is finalized include whether or not the divorce is contested, the state you live in, and whether or not there is a designated waiting period that must be observed before the divorce is finalized. Hiring a lawyer will help ensure that your divorce is finalized as soon as possible. The average amount of time for a divorce to be finalized is right around 10.7 months.
If you are considering a divorce, there are a few things that you should know. First, a divorce lawyer can help make the process as fast and efficient as possible. Divorce laws also vary from state to state so it's important to look into residency requirements before filing. Divorce is also not a fast process in most instances. The average divorce takes over 10 months to be finalized.