It’s estimated that in the United States the divorce rate is 3.4 per 1000 people.
Divorce isn’t uncommon, but that doesn’t mean that some may start the divorce process then realize that they don’t want to go through with it.
Do you want to find a way to stop your divorce? If so, read on to learn what you need to know.
Steps To Take To Stop Your Divorce
Before we get started, it’s important to note that legally you cannot force someone to stay married to you.
Unless you’re the one that filed the papers and wants to stop the divorce, there’s isn’t much you can do legally to make the divorce process stop. But despite this, there are things you can do to try to sway things in your favor.
You can contest the grounds of divorce, talk about the division of property and assets, and think of different ways to handle problems. You can go through mediation and see if there are ways to make the process easier.
There’s also the option of going through a legal separation. You’ll still have to talk about child custody and dividing up financial assets, but you’ll still be legally married but able to live apart. Some couples do this for financial reasons.
If you started the divorce process, or your spouse started the process and now wants to stop, you’re in luck. Stopping the process may take some time, but it’s a surprisingly simple thing to do.
Head to the Courthouse
In order to stop your divorce, you need to fill out some paperwork. We recommend going directly to the courthouse where the petition for divorce was filed and getting the documentation there.
We’re aware that there are forms online you can download, but doing that could make the process longer.
Different jurisdictions have different forms they use to stop the divorce process. If you download the form online, you can’t guarantee that you have the correct form.
You may accidentally download an out of date form that the court can’t accept, or you could simply have the wrong form. Bringing the wrong form to court can make an already long process longer.
If you go to the courthouse and ask a clerk directly, you’ll be sure to have the right form that you need.
Do the Paperwork
The form you get shouldn’t be very long and in-depth, most are no more than a single page. The form is a simple way for you to state that you’re voluntarily dismissing or withdrawing your own case.
Don’t worry about having to give a long explanation about why you’ve changed your mind. You don’t legally need to do that.
Get Copies
Once your form is filled out you’ll bring it back to the courthouse. The clerk will designate your form is filed and will give you one to keep for your personal records.
It’s always a good idea to get multiple copies of important forms. Be sure to make one for you, one for your spouse, and one for any legal representation you may need in the future.
In some jurisdictions, you’re legally obligated to give your spouse a copy of the form. Sometimes this may require them to actually be served, but other times it can be sent via certified mail.
Next Steps
Now that you know it’s possible to stop your divorce, it’s time to talk about your options.
Are you sure that you want to stop the divorce, or do you just need time to weigh your options? Do you have questions about custody arrangements, or how a divorce could affect you financially?
Contact us so we can answer any legal questions you have about the divorce process.