Quick, easy divorce? Sound like an oxymoron. However, the simple answer is “it depends.”
Different states have different rules for how long a divorce case must be filed prior to a judge being allowed to sign the final decree. The timelines range from days to months, and even include rules about living “separate and apart for a year and a day” in states like North Carolina.
Other than the statutes or rules of the state, those so-called quick, easy divorces are mostly dependent upon the couple and the amount of conflict to be resolved. Too many couples get married without the basic understanding of the contract nature of marriage. This can lead to lots of misunderstanding and confusion about who gets what and how income will be divided after the divorce. Suddenly what sounded quick and easy at first turns out to anything but that.
The best way to see if your case qualifies for a quick, easy divorce is to look to your local state rules and your local divorce court. Nowadays, most of them have information online or at the courthouse about the paperwork required and the basic procedures. Once you have read these, you will be much better informed and able to ask educated questions that apply to your own circumstances.
