If you are approaching the divorce process, or have already begun, one of the main questions on your mind may be, how long will it all take? While it would be great if we could offer you a clear-cut, one-size-fits-all answer, that is impossible as the answer is: it depends. Some divorces proceed in line with the norm. After meeting state eligibility and other requirements and filling, it has a mandatory 90-day waiting period before the courts enter a final decree. The process can seem confusing, and an experienced divorce lawyer from Simpson Legal Group, LLC can help.
Meeting Iowa State Requirements is the First Step
Before starting your divorce in Iowa, you’ll need to confirm that you meet the state eligibility requirements. There is a 1-year minimum residency requirement to file for a divorce in Iowa. Either you or your former spouse must have resided in Iowa for a minimum of one year, although the legal definition of residency can be complicated in some situations.
Once you have met the state residency requirement and have the evidence to provide it with your application, you’ll then file for a dissolution of marriage in the county where the eligible Iowa resident spouse lives. If both spouses live in Iowa but in different counties, then the dissolution of marriage may be filed in either county.
Speed-Bumps Along the Road to Divorce
To finalize a divorce, the parties must reach mutual agreements on fundamental aspects like property division and spousal support agreements. Additional agreements concerning child custody, child support, visitation, and other terms are essential when children are involved. Following a divorce, a lack of clarity in terms of these agreements can lead to ongoing disputes, disagreements, and stress on not only the former spouses but all other parties involved, particularly children.
Connect with a Local Divorce Lawyer for Help Finalizing Your Divorce
While ideally, state requirements are easily met and proven, the dissolution of marriage is approved, and the court finalizes it on day 90, this is rarely the case. For your divorce to move through the process and finalize as quickly as possible, you need to intimately understand the process and how your local courts will move your case through. While it is possible to invest the time and effort to figure out how your local courts are likely to apply Iowa law and how to support the quickest process possible, an attorney can help. The divorce attorneys from Simpson Legal Group, LLC, are complemented by decades of combined experience helping clients finalize divorces as quickly as possible.
To learn how we can help, call (712) 256-9899, or visit our site to schedule a consultation.