At Jean M. Mahserjian, Esq. PC, we highly recommend that all clients considering divorce first schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney. This isn’t something that you can just jump right into. This is a process that can very much change your life — for the better if you seek advice from a knowledgeable lawyer; possibly for the worse if you don’t. Our compassionate attorneys are here to help, and we will be sure to make your divorce as stress-free and simplified as possible. Contact our office today.
In the meantime, here are two frequently asked questions about divorce that you should take into consideration.
How Long Does a Divorce Take?
The Office of Court Administration in New York publishes guidelines encouraging county courts to conclude divorce proceedings within six months. However, the length of a divorce case depends upon the level of conflict. If spouses are largely in agreement or else are ready to compromise, it might be over in well under six months. If the parties have difficulty negotiating or throw up roadblocks, if documents are hard to find, and if more outside professionals – like forensic accountants and psychologists – have to get involved, the case can drag on for over a year. This happens more often with longer marriages and when there are children and significant assets involved.
Can I Change My Divorce Agreement?
Circumstances change, and the obligations you settled and arrangements you made in a divorce might not fit in the future. If you and your spouse can agree to change your divorce settlement, you can draft and sign an addendum modifying the original terms. You can also go to a State Supreme Court or Family Court. In either case a judge will still have the final say over a change to your original agreement. If you want to make a change but your former spouse doesn’t agree, you may go to court and request a change – whether to spousal support, child custody, or child support – and demonstrate to the judge that your circumstances have changed significantly enough to merit this adjustment.
If you have any more questions about divorce, please contact our office today. Let our experience work for you.
