Everyone tells you “divorce takes time.” But how much time? And why does it seem like your case is moving slower than everyone else’s? Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, here’s what actually controls the timeline — and what you can do about it.
The Quick Answer
- Uncontested Divorce: 1–3 months
- Contested Without Children: 6–12 months
- Contested With Custody or Business Involvement: 9–24 months
What Delays Divorce?
It’s rarely just the law. It’s people. Court calendars. Lawyers playing games. Spouses dodging documents. And judges managing overloaded dockets. Here’s what causes real delays:
- Failure to disclose financials
- Inability to agree on custody or property division
- Last-minute filings and continuances
- Switching lawyers mid-case
- Refusing mediation or dragging it out
What Actually Has to Happen?
Most divorces follow this general flow:
- File Petition and Serve Spouse
- Response/Answer Filed
- Mandatory Disclosures and Financial Affidavits
- Mediation or Settlement Conferences
- If no agreement — trial is set
- Judge issues Final Judgment
Each step has deadlines. But those deadlines don’t mean anything unless you enforce them — or unless the judge does.
How to Speed Things Up
- File everything early, not just on time
- Use Splitifi’s AI assistant to stay ahead of each step
- Send documents in clean, court-ready format
- Prepare for mediation like it’s trial — even if you settle
- Keep records of every stall, no-show, or delay tactic
The Hidden Emotional Timeline
Even after the final judgment, it doesn’t feel over. Because it isn’t. Custody exchanges. Financial follow-ups. New co-parenting patterns. Emotional fallout. Be ready for that phase too.
Let Splitifi walk you through the real timeline — not just the legal one. We’ll help you track progress, prepare next steps, and avoid hidden stalls that bleed time and money.
