The Factors That Affect the Length of a Long Island Divorce Case

Long Island is an island in New York City and is often the backdrop of many Hollywood productions. It is located on the southeastern side of the state and is home to over 8 million people. Divorce is never easy, and for many on Long Island, it may be even more difficult not knowing how long it will be before the divorce is finalized. No two divorces are alike and many factors dictate how long your case takes to conclude. When you understand these factors, you can have a clearer picture of what to expect and ease some of the uncertainty that often accompanies divorce.
No matter how complicated divorces may be, local factors such as high-profile cases or complicated custody battles can push that timeline even further. The uncertainty of divorce can be emotionally exhausting, so an experienced attorney is crucial. A Long Island divorce attorney can provide the legal direction you need, help manage your case, and help you overcome hurdles that you could encounter during the process.
What Affects the Length of a Divorce?
The biggest factor in how long your divorce takes is whether it’s contested or uncontested. In an uncontested divorce, the spouses agree on major issues like asset division, child custody, and support. These cases commonly resolve within months, often within three to six months. Conversely, a contested divorce (where disagreements occur) can last a year or more as issues regarding property or custody are resolved through negotiation or in court.
When you and your spouse have substantial assets or have a company, things become a bit more complex. Property valuation, disputes over business ownership, and forensic accounting to ensure all assets are disclosed can be time-consuming. If there’s a family home or several properties, who gets it? What happens if one party refuses to compromise?
Child custody is usually the most emotional issue during a divorce. Some parents agree on a custody agreement, while others do not. In case mediation fails, a judge has to step in, adding months or years to your case, especially if there is an allegation of abuse or neglect.
Outside influences like availability of court dates can also affect the timeline of your divorce. Divorce cases on Long Island are affected the scheduling demands of local courts that often have many backlogs. This can cause delays when multiple hearings or trials are needed. If either party requests extensions, reschedules or fails to produce the required documents on time, the process will take longer.
Why You Should Speak with a Lawyer
Consult a divorce attorney early if you are considering getting divorced. If you have disputes with your spouse on property, business ownership, or child custody, making a mistake or delaying things could cost you thousands of dollars. A good attorney can help you avoid all that.
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Final Thoughts
Although you cannot anticipate how long your divorce is going to take, knowing what factors can impact the timeline and having a lawyer who can advocate for you will help make the rough times a bit easier. In case you reside in Long Island and are contemplating divorce, you have to hire the proper legal support. Do not let the process take more of your life than it needs to.