Getting a quick divorce to end your marriage and deal with important issues such as dividing property, child custody, support and visitation still requires careful planning from the start.
Quick Divorce Kits
Many companies offer quick divorce kits that you can buy over the internet. These no-fault divorce kits are useful when "irreconcilable differences" between you and your spouse have caused the breakdown of the marriage.
Most quick divorce kits will include "fill-in-the-blank" legal forms or software that you must then file with the court in your area for a fast divorce. Before buying a divorce kit over the internet, be sure that what you are buying suits your particular situation. Each divorce is unique, so make sure that the kit will allow you to resolve the following issues:
Waiting Periods
Every state divorce law includes a waiting period before the court finalizes any divorce. A divorce is not valid until the court finalizes it, even if the spouses agree to all the terms or have already gone to court. Often times, the court takes much longer to finalize a divorce, simply because there are so many cases in the local family courts. Each state has its own waiting period law. Consult the divorce laws in your state to determine exactly how long it will take before your divorce will be finalized. Typically, waiting periods range from 90 days to six months. Therefore, even if both spouses agree on all the terms of the divorce, they will not be legally divorced for at least six months. It is often the waiting period which prevents spouses from getting the quick divorce they both want.
The Foreign Divorce Option
Often times, you may be able to get a quick divorce in a foreign country even if you live in and were married in the United States. For example, you could fly to the Dominican Republic and sign the papers in one day to get a finalized divorced in four weeks. In the United States, even an uncontested divorce may not be finalized for several months.
To get a quick divorce in the Dominican Republic you will need the following:
- Original Certified Copy of the Marriage License
- Original Certified Copies of Birth Certificates for any minor children
- At least two additional forms of identification (passport, drivers license, social security card, or original certified copy of birth certificate)
- Visitor's Visa from the departing airport
A quick divorce from the Dominican Republic is a legal divorce and will be recognized as a valid divorce in every state in United States. A quick divorce from the Dominican Republic is also convenient because it is located just miles from Miami, Florida and is also a popular tourist destination. Many Americans seeking a divorce in the Dominican Republic plan to stay for a long weekend and enjoy the sights.
Uncontested Divorce
One way to assure a quick divorce is to file for an uncontested divorce. You can buy a do-it-yourself kit over the internet that will help you file for an uncontested divorce in your state.
Not So Quick
What is the rush? Divorce is a serious legal matter, just like your marriage, and should not be handled lightly. If you are trying a get a quick divorce because your spouse is abusive or dishonest, it may not be best to rush into finalizing the divorce. You may find yourself being pushed or intimidated into settling for less than you deserve.
Consider a legal separation before rushing in to a quick divorce. It is normal to think to yourself, "I just want to get this over with." But a legal separation may allow you to move forward with your life without sacrificing your rights. Be aware that there may be issues that you are not considering in your rush. You may be able to get spousal support, property, debts settled, retirement benefits, insurance or child custody issues resolved more favorably if you do not rush into divorce.
