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By the time most soon-to-be divorcees file for divorce, they’re ready to rip off the bandaid and part ways with their emotionally-toxic spouse. In some cases, ex-husbands and ex-wives virtually beg on their hands and knees for quick and painless divorce proceedings. Unfortunately, the divorce process often runs into delays. Why?
Take a look at some of the issues that can come up:
- The state requires a separation period (varies by state)
- Custody issues over children under 18
- One spouse decides to contest the divorce or be uncooperative
- Issues over citizenship
- Opposing spouse is missing and/or not returning calls
When issues like those mentioned above arise, it only serves to exacerbate the situation. It often leaves both parties frustrated, adding insult to injury in these emotionally-trying times.
It’s important to note that prolonged divorce proceedings can negatively impact both parties, even spouses who initially filed for divorce. In most cases, time-consuming divorce proceedings drive a wedge between friends and family and lead to lost friendships as loved ones begin to choose sides.
Not to mention, the entire process has the power to stir unbearable stress, which makes delays all the more troubling. Most challenging of all is coaching young children through the recent separation and helping them cope with the rising tensions between mom and dad.
After looking at the issues surrounding delayed divorce proceedings, perhaps you can see why it’s best to find ways to make the process as fast and painless as possible. With this emotional distress in mind, here are five ways to expedite your divorce and keep your sanity intact.
Use a mobile notary
During the divorce process, there will be an onslaught of documents soon-to-be divorcees will need to fill out and sign. In most cases, those documents will require notarization. To save time, you might consider using a mobile notary.
Recruiting a mobile notary yields benefits that aren’t available when partnering with a traditional notary. The potential incentives of a mobile notary public include:
- They solve logistical issues, like finding a convenient location and time for all parties
- Increased availability (mobile notaries are easy to find on the internet around the clock)
- Efficiency (mobile notaries need to be efficient to meet demand)
- Time savings (no waiting for an appointment in an off-site office space)
By trimming down the time it takes to notarize pertinent documents, you can move the process along with ease. Remember, time-efficiency should be a top priority since there are seemingly endless steps involved in the divorce process, including filing the petition, securing temporary court orders, serving papers, conducting settlement negotiations, and undergoing the actual divorce trial.
Given your time constraints, you might want to find a notary that provides mobile services and ensures you maximize every second of precious free time.
Cooperate
The journey of breaking up causes friction, making cooperation difficult for those couples that have fallen victim to infidelity or physical abuse. If you and your spouse can put aside your anger and egos, it makes cooperation a lot easier. If you and your ex-spouse keep things cordial, the divorce process will run like clockwork.
Pursue mediation
If tensions reach an all-time high, it might be a good idea to seek professional mediation. The earlier you request mediation, the sooner you can resolve sensitive issues. With a mediator’s objective perspective, both parties will feel listened to and considered, alleviating existing contention.
Forget revenge
In a best-case scenario, couples will separate without seeking revenge or intentionally inflicting pain on the opposing party. If not, you should know the divorce proceedings are not the place to seek revenge. For a speedy divorce, treat your separation as a business matter as much as possible. If you or your spouse have vengeance on the brain, it will draw the process out and cause more emotional strife.
Resolve financial issues as soon as possible
Money and assets are almost always a source of stress and conflict during a divorce. The longer you and the spouse battle over finances, the more anguish you’ll experience. That set, try to work out financial issues before diving headfirst into your divorce proceedings.
Final thoughts
While it may be tempting to resort to name-calling or verbal slander, keeping the divorce settlement amicable will ultimately work in your favor. Remember, emotional abuse will never successfully expedite your divorce proceedings. Sadly, it will only traumatize the children involved and make the separation more emotionally-turbulent.
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This content is brought to you by Jana Gray.
Photo: Shutterstock