As you face the reality of your marriage ending, one of your core concerns is probably how long the divorce process will take. You may hear about long, drawn-out breakups from friends, family members or the news. Not only does a long divorce take a toll on your emotional health, but it can be financially taxing, too.
Thankfully, your divorce does not need to be unnecessarily lengthy. While dissolving your marriage may never be a breeze, you can get through it faster if you follow some tips.
Organize your documents
You and your attorney will need specific documents to negotiate the terms of the divorce settlement. The documents you may need include:
- Paychecks
- Tax returns
- Financial statements
- Deeds
- Mortgage statements
- Bank statements
- Life insurance documents
- List of debts
- Title or registration of vehicles
- Retirement account documents
The sooner you prepare these documents, the better.
Do not stress about insignificant assets
Depending on your circumstances, it may be worthwhile to negotiate and argue over substantial possessions or funds, such as the marital home or pensions. However, there are certain items that do not matter in the long run. One of the biggest divorce mistakes is fighting endlessly about inexpensive assets. Do not let an argument over a piece of furniture drive you crazy. If you want a quicker (and less expensive) split, forget the small stuff.
Communicate as positively as possible
It is easy to speak out of anger and resentment. While it may be natural to feel hostile towards your spouse, try to fight that inclination as much as you can. The more positively and openly you can talk with one another, the easier time you will have during the process. Having an open line of communication with your ex makes everything easier for you.
While implementing these guidelines may not take all the complexities away from your divorce, you may find you get through it faster.
