The Stages of a Divorce Process
Couples, who are facing a divorce, are perhaps facing the most difficult period of their life where they have to make tough decisions not only pertaining to themselves but to the children if any.
However, it is very crucial for couples to have complete knowledge of the divorce process before they go ahead.
First of all when it comes to a couple, a man and woman are treated quite differently by the court of law.
No one gets better treatment than the other; it is just that the treatment is different.
When you first file for a divorce, the court appoints a mediator or a counselor so that they can try to make peace between the couple.
Sometimes, couples do change their mind at this point and that is why irrespective of the causes, the mediator still tries to patch them up.
Then the mediator may try to reach a resolution regarding the issues and distribution of responsibilities and assets with the couple.
It is only when the disagreements irreconcilable that the divorce complaint actually becomes a divorce case.
When one of the spouses disagrees with the prefiling settlement, then the divorce proceedings take a different turn.
When you file for the divorce complaint itself, the marriage is terminated and the assets are defined and valued.
Also, several deadlines are set for moving the case forward where different lawyers volunteer as panelists to resolve issues between the divorcing couple.
It is at this point, the couple is asked to disclose their individual financial status and they are given only 35 days for this.
Couples are given fixed timelines to respond to each others queries and answers which is invariably done through their respective lawyers.
Thereafter, through several hearings and sessions, the court tries to help the couple come to an amicable settlement.
However, when all efforts fail, a trial date is set and the divorce case finally goes to court.
This is a brief and general outline of the different stages of a divorce process.
The stages will change based on each couple's ability to compromise and come to an understanding.