When people read about a celebrity divorce or talk to their friends who are going through a divorce, there can be the expectation that a divorce is a single event: you file the paperwork and the divorce is granted. However, in reality, a divorce can take longer than you anticipate because it requires much more than signing some documents.
In just about every divorce, a number of legal matters will need to be resolved, from property division to child custody arrangements. In some cases, it is possible that a couple can be so amicable that they are able to resolve these matters in a very short amount of time. However, for many people, divorcing is a long process that comes with several obstacles and changes along the way.
For instance, if you and your soon-to-be ex have considerable assets to divide, it can take quite a lot of time and analysis to even determine what is and is not eligible for distribution. After that, there will often be negotiations over who keeps what.
When the decision is left to the courts, one or both sides may file appeals if they disagree with the ruling. In either case, this one element of divorce can take months or even years to get to a final ruling.
There is also the potential that two people simply aren’t in a hurry to divorce. For instance, various media outlets have reported that actors Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are putting their divorce on the back burner. The pair announced they were divorcing last year, but they have yet to file any divorce papers. They are reportedly still living together and staying focused on raising their kids together.
Divorce is not just an event; it’s a process. And during that process, circumstances and people change and react in ways that could delay or even stop the divorce from moving forward.
The fact is your divorce won’t happen overnight. Whether this comes as a relief to you or makes you anxious about getting through your own divorce, you should understand that with support and guidance, you can work toward the resolution you want in a timely manner.
