Divorces come in all shapes and sizes.  They range from situations involving short-term marriages with relatively few assets and no children, to situations involving long-term marriages with contested child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance issues.  Sometimes, they also involve division of a family-owned businesses or complex property matters.

Clients often ask us how long the divorce process will take.  In the abstract, this is a very hard question to answer.  It depends on how many contested issues there are in your case and how complex those happen to be.  If the parties are motivated to settle (and are able to reach an agreement), there is no reason why a divorce cannot be finalized within a few months.  But, if the parties can’t reach an agreement, a judge will ultimately have to decide your case – which can take anywhere between take several months to several years.

Regardless of how the marriage ends, divorce is a traumatic experience for everyone involved.  It is important to understand your legal options before deciding how best to move forward.

Uncontested Divorce Proceedings

Ideally, every divorce would be uncontested.  Divorcing couples would sit down at the kitchen table, put their emotions to the side, and reach an agreement on how to raise their children and how to divide their property.  The results would be completely under their control.  There would be very little conflict between the parties.

While this type of scenario may seem impossible to you at the moment – many people’s emotions are in overdrive in the weeks before a divorce – for many couples it is more possible than they realize.  A less contested, more civilized divorce is an option.  Reaching a divorce settlement with your spouse (even if you are extremely angry with them) makes the process go a lot smoother.  Uncontested divorce proceedings also have the added benefit of being more affordable.

Typically, the divorce is resolved by a written settlement agreement prepared by a lawyer.  Both couples sign the settlement agreement.  It is then presented to a judge for approval.  Sometimes, the parties are not even required to go to court.

Contested Divorce Proceedings

If you can’t reach a settlement with your spouse (even with the assistance of lawyers) the case will likely become a contested one.  This often means investigating the facts, conducting discovery, and sometimes even having a trial.

While settlement is always preferable to contested litigation, don’t be overly concerned if at the beginning of the process your case appears to be contested.  Many cases that initially appear to be contested end up settling down the road – once the facts are further investigated.  And some cases that appear poised for settlement at beginning end up going to trial.  It’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen in your case.

If a contested divorce is necessary, we will be prepared to represent your interests in court.

Twin Cities Divorce Lawyers

Regardless of the type of divorce you’re considering, it is important to speak to an experienced Minnesota divorce lawyer about your situation.  We can assess your situation to determine the best plan of action.  If children are involved, we will work with you to make sure that their interests are always put first.

Remember, every divorce case is unique.  Don’t accept a cookie-cutter approach to planning your future.  The lawyers at Gadtke & Beyer, LLC are dedicated to providing you with best possible legal representation on an individual basis.

How We Can Help

At Gadtke & Beyer, LLC, no divorce is too big or too small.  We have experience negotiating, litigating, and achieving results for our clients in all areas of family law.  It doesn’t matter if you have been married for twenty days or for twenty years – we can help.  Stop by our office, located at 6800 France Avenue South, Suite 125, Edina, Minnesota, or call us at 952-345-8004, or fill out a contact form on the side of this page.

Always A Free Consultation

Have questions? Feel free to contact Gadtke & Beyer, LLC today. We offer free consultations to all potential clients - call today at 952-345-8004.