If you are considering divorce, you may be hesitant in not knowing how long the proceedings are going to take. And likely the last thing you want to happen is for this emotionally draining process to be extensive. Continue reading to learn how long this will take based on your circumstances and how an experienced Peoria divorce lawyer or Pekin divorce lawyer of Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., can do everything in their power to expedite this process.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Peoria County?
Put simply, there is no set duration for divorce proceedings. Rather this goes on a case-by-case basis. But even so, the average time it takes is one year, from filing the paperwork to finalizing the decree. Certain factors that may make this process more or less than one year include, but are not limited to, the following:
- If you and your spouse are choosing to undergo a contested or uncontested divorce.
- If you and your spouse are choosing to cite fault or no-fault grounds.
- If you and your spouse share children and need to make child custody and child support arrangements.
- If you and your spouse have high-value marital assets that need to undergo equitable distribution.
- If you and your spouse have marital debt that needs to be assigned.
- If you and your spouse have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.
- If you or your spouse is requesting alimony payments to be established.
Will certain requirements impact how long it takes to get a divorce in Pekin County?
Like most states, Illinois has a residency requirement for divorce so to establish jurisdiction. So, you or your spouse must be an Illinois resident for a 90-day consecutive period before filing or before the entry of a judgment. If you and your spouse do not yet satisfy this requirement, you will have to wait until you do. Inevitably, your process will be prolonged, so it is recommended that you file in a state where you already meet this condition.
Additionally, if you and your spouse are undergoing a contested divorce, you will have to abide by Illinois’ waiting period. This period is six months, and it is in place to ensure that you and your spouse truly want to dissolve your marriage before moving forward. Notably, there is no mandatory waiting period for an uncontested divorce.
Similarly, Illinois requires that you and your spouse live separate and apart for six months before filing for divorce.
If you would like assistance with ensuring that this process is as efficient as possible, consult with a skilled Peoria divorce lawyer today.
Contact Our Experienced Illinois Firm
Contact Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., today for effective and compassionate legal counsel for the following legal matters: divorce, alimony, division of marital assets, child custody, and child support.
