Getting a divorce can feel overwhelming and may seem neverending. For many people just starting the process, they want to know how long it will take until the divorce is final. However, in North Dakota, several factors can determine the time it takes to get a divorce.
Are You a North Dakota Resident?
In order to file for divorce in North Dakota, you must be a resident for six months before you file your divorce paperwork to start the process. This means that if you have not lived in the state for this amount of time, you will have to wait until you reach the six-month mark until you can begin filing.
Is the Court Available?
After meeting the residency requirements, you will still have to go through the process of divorce, which can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. This typically depends on the judge’s availability and the court’s caseload at the time you are filing.
It should be noted that this is not a precise amount of time, and the divorce process may be longer depending on each unique case. Specifically, the factor that will have the biggest effect on how long your divorce will take is whether or not your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Uncontested Vs. Contested Divorce
The divorce timeline will most likely be dependent on whether the couple is going through an uncontested or contested divorce.
An uncontested divorce means both couples agree on all the terms of their divorce, such as matters relating to child custody, property division, spousal support, and child support. Because couples are less likely to go back and forth debating the terms of their divorce, an uncontested divorce is typically a shorter process. Most uncontested cases will more or less depend on when the court can schedule your case.
A contested divorce, on the other hand, will take much longer. In a contested divorce, couples don’t agree to issues related to their divorce, thus taking more time to resolve them. Contested divorce cases can last several months to even a year or more, depending on the complexity and nature of the couple’s unresolved divorce matters.
Can You Make the ND Divorce Process Go Faster?
In order to expedite the North Dakota divorce process, it is best to try to cooperate with your spouse in order to solve your divorce matters with as little contention as possible. Through an uncontested divorce, you are likely to face fewer delays in the process, which means a cheaper and less stressful divorce for you.
If you cannot come to an agreement with your spouse on your issues, then you have options to speed up the process, such as:
- Staying alert for requests for information
- Show up to all of your court dates on time
- Be flexible when negotiating your settlement
In addition to these measures, you can prevent unnecessary delays by working with an experienced Fargo divorce lawyer. With an attorney from Circling Eagle Law assisting you through the divorce process, you can be sure that all of your paperwork is filed correctly and on time, which will help the process go smoothly.
Call our team of skilled divorce lawyers at (701) 401-7404 to discuss your divorce case today.
