Common Causes of Delays During Atlanta Divorces

Most divorcing spouses want to end their marriages and move on with their lives as soon as possible. However, this process may be more time-consuming than you realize. Various delays can slow down your divorce, and it makes sense to familiarize yourself with these potential issues if you want to address them effectively. While some delays are unavoidable, you can solve other issues with help from an experienced divorce lawyer in Atlanta.

Trials Are Inherently More Time-Consuming 

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to draw out a divorce is by choosing a trial (litigation) instead of alternative dispute resolution. Trials are time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. Due to court backlogs, it may take many months before your divorce trial even begins. You might also face various appeals, motions, and other bureaucratic complexities that can slow down your divorce.

If you want to avoid delays, strategies like mediation, collaborative law, or arbitration make the most sense. Unlike many other states, Georgia lacks a mandatory “separation period for divorce.” This means you can start negotiating with your spouse immediately before finalizing a divorce agreement within weeks. If you and your spouse are both on the same page, this process shouldn’t take long.

Spouses Can Cause Serious Delays 

With that said, mediation and collaborative law might not be the best choice if your ex is being uncooperative. Spouses who negotiate in bad faith can cause serious delays, and they might not even be serious about avoiding court in the first place. Bitter and resentful exes may intentionally cause as many delays as possible, simply to be difficult. If you suspect your ex is engaging in this type of misconduct, a trial may be the only option.

Fortunately, you can hold your ex accountable for intentionally delaying your divorce. Courts take action against spouses who engage in this type of misconduct, and your lawyer might be able to help you ensure consequences.

Complex Assets and Property Division Disputes

 You might also experience considerable delays when approaching complex assets and property division disputes in general. Many spouses become extremely focused on specific assets for various reasons. For example, one spouse might be intent on keeping the family home. Another spouse might want to keep a sentimental item such as a family heirloom or vintage vehicle.

Whatever the case may be, spouses may remember that the longer these negotiations continue, the higher their legal fees will become. Eventually, these legal fees will overshadow any potential gains provided by the desired property division outcome.

Can a Lawyer Help Me Speed Up My Divorce in Atlanta?

If you want to conclude your divorce as quickly as possible, a family law attorney in Atlanta may be able to help. Depending on the nature of the delay, various strategies may speed up the overall process. Strategies like mediation or collaborative law can also streamline divorces, assuming both spouses are willing to negotiate in good faith. Contact Buckhead Family Law today to learn more about your options.

Sources: 

georgia.gov/file-divorce

dca.georgia.gov/community-assistance/coordinated-planning/intergovernmental-coordination/alternative-dispute