Should You File for Divorce in Fort Lauderdale After The Holidays?
The holidays are stressful enough without pretending your marriage is fine. If divorce is on your mind, you may be wondering: Should I file now or wait until January?
Going through a breakup is difficult at any time. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains how the timing of a divorce petition affects your case and the factors to consider when deciding whether to file now or wait until the new year.
Factors That Favor Waiting Until After The Holidays To Get A Divorce In Fort Lauderdale
Under Section 61.052 of the Florida Statutes, you must be a Florida resident for at least six months before you can file for a divorce in Broward County. Provided you meet this requirement, you can file now or wait until after the holidays.
Either way, once you begin the legal process, it can take several months to get a final divorce order, even in uncontested cases. Factors that may make you want to wait until after January 1st include:
- Many Florida courts operate on reduced schedules between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, potentially delaying hearings and mediation sessions.
- Serving your spouse with divorce papers and completing financial affidavits and other legal documents can be difficult during the busy holiday season.
- Filing for divorce now could make the holidays difficult for your children, both now and in years to come.
- As the holidays are challenging for many people to begin with, waiting until after the new year might be easier emotionally and reduce stress.
While all of these factors seem to favor waiting, there are extenuating circumstances that make filing for a divorce in Fort Lauderdale now a necessity.
When Waiting to File for Divorce Becomes Risky
While waiting until after the holidays to file a divorce petition through the Broward County Family Court can reduce the potential for stress and delays, you may need to file sooner rather than later if:
- You have concerns about your or your children’s safety.
- There are disputes over child time-sharing and holiday arrangements.
- You are currently separated and involved in disputes with your spouse over marital property or support.
- Your spouse is depleting bank accounts, hiding assets, or charging up joint credit cards.
If you are filing for a Fort Lauderdale divorce due to financial misconduct, infidelity, or other concerning behavior, timing becomes even more critical. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer can evaluate your circumstances, advise you on your options, and help you determine whether immediate action is best.
Request a Consultation Today To Speak With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer
Deciding whether to get a divorce in Fort Lauderdale and when to file are deeply personal decisions. At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we provide caring support during this difficult time and the trusted legal guidance you need to make the right decision.
To protect your peace of mind and your legal rights, speak with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer. Call or contact our office online and request a confidential consultation today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.052.html
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
