How long does a divorce take?

In the state of Delaware, a divorce typically takes between 3 and 8 months to be finalized, depending on the particular circumstances and complexity of the divorce proceedings. The process begins when one of the spouses files a petition for divorce with the court. Once the paperwork is filed, the other spouse must be officially notified and given a chance to respond. After this happens, the spouses are required to attend a mandatory 90-day waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. During this period, the spouses typically work on settlement agreements, which address issues such as the division of assets and debts, child custody, and spousal support. In some cases, the spouses may have to attend mediation, which is an alternative dispute resolution option. When the spouses have reached an agreement or the mediation process has been completed, one spouse must file an Application for Third Party Detention and/or a Certificate of Service with the court. This document officially notifies the court that both spouses are in agreement about the details of the divorce and that the divorce is ready to be finalized. Once this is done, the court will review the divorce settlement agreement and issue a Final Decree of Divorce. This is considered the official end of the divorce process, which means that the spouses are no longer legally married.

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