One of the most common questions about divorce is just how long it will take. For many people, it has taken months or years to get to the point where they decide they want to end their marriage. But once they have made this decision, they just want to get divorced as quickly as they can.
Exactly how long the divorce takes will vary from case to case. It typically takes less than a year, but it could take six months or more for everything to be resolved.
In Washington specifically, the divorce has to take a minimum of 90 days, or right around three months. This is because there is a 90-day waiting period, meaning the court is not even allowed to approve the divorce before this time has passed. That is the absolute fastest that it could happen, even if a couple agrees on all of the terms.
What makes it take longer?
When a divorce takes longer than 90 days, it is generally because there are contested terms. The more conflicts there are, the longer it takes the courts to reach a ruling.
For example, couples may disagree on how to divide assets or even what qualifies as a marital asset versus a separate asset. They may run into conflicts regarding how they should parent their children or divide up physical and legal custody. Cases where parents agree are generally the fastest, but extensive litigation extends the process.
If you and your spouse are going through a divorce, it’s very important to understand all of the legal regulations, along with your rights and the steps you’ll need to take.
