No one likes going through a divorce. Almost everyone would rather settle matters quickly and get it over with but that isn’t always an option. Most divorce attorneys attempt to resolve matters without involving a judge but if a hearing is necessary the lawyer will have to request a timeframe from the court. In addition, the clients themselves could cause the proceedings to slow down or even stop.
Each individual divorce case is different, and the amount of time it takes to get divorced will depend upon the individual circumstances of the case and how well the two spouses get along. This issue is illustrated by an example of one couple who has been dealing with divorce-related legal battles for 17 years – seven years more than their marriage.
The ex-spouses are actually both law professors and have gone through 17 years of divorce and post-divorce lawsuits. Their divorce lawsuit had 1,400-plus entries filed in it, at least 1,000 more than a usual divorce file. Average divorces, that are not contested, can be finalized in a few months and others in a few years.
While the divorce itself was concluded after five years, the ex-spouses have been involved in at least 28 additional cases against each other. The filings have included one spouse calling the police to the other’s workplace several times and both gaining and then losing custody of their two children. They have accused each other of inappropriate behavior, as well. Both parties still have issues to be ironed out today.
If you are contemplating filing for divorce or have recently been served with divorce papers by your spouse, it is prudent to find an attorney experienced in and who fully understands and will address the difficult issues that arise. Minnesota divorce attorneys will be able to guide you toward a satisfactory resolution to this personal and legal matter.
Source: kare11.com, “Divorce battle rages for 17 years, with no end in sight” No author given, Aug. 13, 2013
