Four Things that Can Make the Divorce Process Move Faster in Florida
Most people want to get their divorce resolved as soon as possible. While it is a mistake to rush through the process, a divorce does not have to be a long, drawn-out fight. There are strategies you can use and steps that you can take to help make a divorce more efficient. In this article, our Largo divorce attorney highlights four things that can make the divorce process move faster in Florida.
#1: Try to Get on the Same Page About the Big Issues Early
The single biggest factor that impacts the duration of the divorce process in Florida is whether the case is contested or uncontested. That is to say that divorces that can be settled move a lot faster than divorces that require court hearings, let alone a full trial. With that in mind, speed usually comes down to a handful of core decisions. Property division, support, and parenting arrangements drive the timeline. When spouses outline rough positions on those points at the start, the rest of the process moves more cleanly. Even partial agreement helps to move things forward.
#2: Get Organized (Especially the Finances)
Another thing that often slows down divorce cases in Florida is disorganization. By preparing all of the key information as early as possible, you will be in a better position to move forward with your divorce case. Delays often come from missing paperwork. Bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and account summaries should be gathered early and kept in one place. Clean records reduce back-and-forth requests and last-minute scrambling.
#3: A Willingness to Be Flexible On the Things that Do Not Really Matter
There are many divorced couples in Florida that end up locked in a major conflict over issues that do not really matter much at all. A spouse may end up in a months (or years) long dispute over something that they barely care about. It is a mistake that you should avoid if you desire a relatively quick divorce. Every divorce has points that matter more than others. Treating every issue as a hill to die on slows everything down. You should focus on the outcomes that affect your day-to-day life and long-term stability. A little flexibility can help to unlock a favorable agreement.
#4: Use Mediation as a Real Opportunity, Not a Formality
Many divorcing couples in Florida can benefit from a structured form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as divorce mediation or collaborative divorce. Mediation works best when both sides treat it as a chance to resolve the case. Preparation makes a difference. Divorce mediation (or collaborative divorce) does not have to slow down the process. Quite the contrary, it can be the tool that moves your case towards a settlement.
Get Help From a Divorce Lawyer in Largo, Florida
At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., our Largo divorce attorney is standing by, ready to help you find the best path forward. If you have any questions about divorce, we can help. Contact us today to set up a completely confidential case review. With an office in Largo, we handle divorce cases in Clearwater and throughout all of Pinellas County.
