When a marriage falls apart and the situation leaves no room for reconciliation, spouses eventually decide on a divorce. But while spouses are free to petition for divorce on sufficient grounds, the court will only hear the case once a certain period passes after the initial filing.
No getting around the mandatory waiting time
Most U.S. states require a waiting period before courts can grant a divorce petition. In Georgia, a petitioning spouse has to wait 30 days before the court hears the case. This waiting period gives spouses some time for possible reconciliation.
For administrative purposes, the period provides the other party who was served with divorce papers the opportunity to respond. Nonetheless, even if the nonpetitioning spouse responds before the 30-day waiting period is up, the parties still have to wait for the mandatory waiting period to pass.
Is divorce finalization possible shortly after the 30-day period?
Understandably, some separating spouses may find 30 days too long and expect that after the dragging waiting time, they will receive a divorce decree right away. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. In reality, it could take six months to a year for courts to grant uncontested divorces. Contested ones are usually longer, especially when complex issues are involved.
Keeping your case on schedule
With the unique circumstances of each case and the court’s heavy workload, getting a divorce decree days after the waiting period is almost improbable. But while you cannot expedite your divorce proceedings, you can do what you can to avoid further delays. Strategies to avoid common divorce obstacles are crucial to keep your case moving forward.