Going through a divorce can be one of the most difficult times of your life. The process can be incredibly stressful, exhausting and costly.
You most likely want to focus on processing your emotions, healing and moving forward. However, there are many steps to follow and decisions to be made on issues such as property, finances and perhaps minor children.
The answer depends on different factors
One of the first questions you are likely to ask is how long the divorce process will take. There is no set answer to this question, as everyone’s divorce case is different, and the time it takes depends on various factors.
However, having a rough idea of what to expect can help you mentally prepare and make the process more manageable.
Requirements for filing a divorce petition
You must live in Minnesota for at least 180 days before you can file a divorce petition. You and your spouse must also live separately and apart for 180 days before filing. If you do not live in separate households, you must show the court evidence that you have not been living as a married couple, such as pictures of your separate bedrooms.
Once you have filed a divorce petition and served it on your spouse, they have 30 days to file an answer. After that, you can begin negotiating your divorce settlement.
Contested and uncontested divorce
Your divorce will be either a contested or uncontested divorce. A contested divorce means that you and your spouse cannot agree on how to resolve all or some of your issues. Because you can’t reach agreement out of court, you must go to court and let the court decide.
An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse can come to your own agreement on the issues. This can save you time. Contested divorces usually take longer.
Additional considerations
Even if you have an uncontested divorce, you may still need to wait for steps such as property valuations to be complete or a piece of property to sell. This means it can take longer for your divorce to be finalized.
Divorce attorneys have the knowledge and experience to advise you on how to resolve your divorce in the most efficient manner possible, while effectively representing your interests.
