It depends almost entirely on whether the matter is agreed or contested. A straightforward matter where both parties cooperate and agree on the asset pool can be finalised through consent orders in a matter of weeks once terms are settled.
A contested matter, particularly one involving hidden or disputed assets, business valuations, or significant disagreement on what’s fair, can take considerably longer, sometimes well over a year if it ends up in court. The biggest factor isn’t the legal process itself, it’s the level of cooperation between the parties.
This is part of why early advice matters so much. Getting strategic guidance from the outset, rather than after positions have already hardened, often shortens the overall timeline by avoiding unnecessary conflict and delay. If you’re in a situation requiring urgent financial relief while a settlement is being worked out, options like spousal maintenance can provide support in the meantime, you don’t necessarily have to wait for the final outcome to get some stability.
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