There are a lot of preconceived notions about divorce. In TV, movies, and the news, it seems like a long, drawn-out court-led process that can last years. You may hear horror stories from your friends and relatives about their nightmarish divorce that drug on, and on, racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in lawyer’s fees. These stories are exactly what motivates the mediators at the West Coast Family Mediation Center. We believe that spouses don’t have to hate each other when they don’t want to be married anymore. It is entirely possible to leave a marriage with mutual respect and understanding. Not to mention, it shouldn’t take years to uncouple your lives. Here are a few tips on how to get a quick divorce in San Diego.
Be Transparent
The start of the divorce process often sets the tone for the entire process. When you ambush your spouse with the petition paperwork, they are much less likely to work with you. Instead, open up a conversation with them about divorce. Let them know you are feeling like this is the right solution, ask to start a conversation about that process and get them involved in it. Being asked for their input can help them feel more in control of a decision that began out of their control.
Avoid Court Schedules
While some divorces cannot avoid litigation, when you are looking at how to get a quick divorce in San Diego, mediation is the best option. Court dates are scheduled out very, very, very far in advance. Depending on where you are divorcing in San Diego, your first conference might be three or four months after the initial filing. With the exception of Ex Parte (emergency) hearings, getting a court date for anything is a long and drawn out process. Mediation allows couples to do everything in our office, we file all the paperwork for you, no need to ever go to court.
Don’t Create Conflict
Once you start going down the way of litigation, you will notice quickly that the attorneys will begin advocating zealously, sometimes where it isn’t wanted or needed. In divorce, you are never going to get exactly what you wanted. However, the process to get to a mutually agreeable solution is crucial. Mediation aims to do this in the most amicable way possible. We never create conflict where there is none. If a couple wants to agree to do something that favors one side, but both spouses are in support, we will not question your decisions. As mediators, their job is to inform you of the decisions you need to make, what the law may state, and you make the decision. We believe divorce is a give-and-take process.
Work Together
When you and your spouse work against each other in a divorce, you both lose. This is the biggest way to ensure a quick divorce in San Diego. Instead of teaming up with bulldog attorneys to fight over money that you are spending in the divorce, work together to make agreements and save the money for your family. Mediation aims to create an environment where you can work together towards the goal of walking away and feeling positive about moving forward in your new life.
How Long Does a Mediated Divorce Take to Complete?
Every divorce is different, so not every timeline will be the same. However, if you are looking at how to get a quick divorce in San Diego, mediation is a great option. A mediated divorce can go as quick or as slow as you desire. The average length of a mediated divorce is typically around three months. Keep in mind, you cannot be officially divorced until after the six-month “cooling off period” has passed, as per California law. However, you can complete all the necessary paperwork and submit it to the court before that time. While we do have clients that take a year or more to finish their divorce, it is often a choice of the client, not the court. Mediation allows you to put divorce back in your control.
Are you wondering how to get a quick divorce in San Diego? Want more information? Contact West Coast Family Mediation today. We are happy to assist you.