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Ohio Divorce Process Lasts Almost As Long As The Couple’s Marriage

The circumstances that surround divorce can be highly emotional. Not only do many divorces involve finances and children, but they can also affect relationships with extended family members, friends and in-laws. Because of this emotional upheaval, many couples become contentious and resentful to their spouse during the divorce process.

If you and your spouse are considering divorce, be prepared that your spouse may become controversial and exhibit characteristics that you did not know they even had. Even if you take action that you believe is rational, your spouse may not interpret it as such. Despite what your spouse thinks, it is essential that you remain rational throughout the divorce in order to protect your interests.

A divorce fight that made history

Remaining rational throughout your divorce can prevent a long and drawn out legal battle between you and your spouse, similar to the legal conflict that an Ohio couple recently went through. According to USA Today, a couple that married in 1986 and were married for 10 years had a divorce-related legal battle that lasted for seven, almost as long as their actual marriage.

The fight, which was so contentious, resulted in judges in court rebuking them for their actions. One judge on their case remarked that they were making a mockery of the legal system due to the fact that both of these individuals were law professors. The lawsuit that the divorcing couple filed had more than 1,400 entries in it, approximately 1,000 more than the typical divorce case.

To put things in perspective, a general divorce case usually lasts between six to nine months if there are no children involved. If there are children in the marriage, the case may take up to a year. Although the Ohio couple that engaged in this lengthy legal battle did have two children, ages 17 and 20 once the divorce was finalized, their divorce lasted much longer than it should have.

How to have a less contentious divorce

Although it is the right choice for many couples to take their divorce to court to resolve divorce-related issues, coming to a resolution does not have to take several years. If you want to resolve your divorce case in a reasonable and necessary time-frame:

  • Avoid thinking of yourself as a victim and steer clear of playing the blame game.
  • Get rid of the belief that a courtroom battle with your spouse will satisfy your need for revenge.
  • Try not to get into a relationship with another person until after the divorce is finalized.
  • Do not underestimate the power and long-term effects of affidavits.
  • Refrain from dealing with asset division and parenting plans at the same time.

If you and your spouse are considering a divorce, speak with an attorney to determine what you can do to avoid contention in court and how you can avoid an unnecessarily long legal process with your spouse.