Dividing debts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nTo start the process, you will need a legal reason, or grounds, for the divorce. There are seven \u201cfault\u201d reasons and a \u201cno-fault\u201d option.<\/p>\n
For example, the \u201cno-fault\u201d grounds mean that while neither spouse blames the other for the failed marriage, the marriage is believed to be beyond repair. On the other hand, in a fault-based divorce, you must prove that your spouse caused the marriage to end, such as through adultery, desertion, or abuse.<\/p>\n
Does common law marriage require a divorce?<\/h2>\n
Living together for an extended period is insufficient to create a common-law marriage. Additionally, not all states allow common-law marriages. So to determine if your common-law marriage is valid, you\u2019ll first need to learn if the state recognizes your common-law marriage. The requirements can vary per state.<\/p>\n
If the court determines your common-law marriage is valid, you will need to obtain a traditional divorce to end it.<\/p>\n
What if both spouses don\u2019t agree to divorce?<\/h2>\n
The divorce process is smoother if both parties agree to end the marriage. However, you don\u2019t need your spouse\u2019s agreement to proceed with a divorce. The law does not force you to stay in a marriage.<\/p>\n
There may be rules or time limits that you must adhere to throughout the process if the spouse doesn\u2019t agree to the divorce, depending on where you live. But, you are legally entitled to a divorce even if they don\u2019t agree or refuse to sign the divorce papers.<\/p>\n
Do spouses have to go to court to get a divorce?<\/h2>\n
While a divorce is only final when a judge signs a written divorce decree or judgment, you do have options other than going to court to resolve the issue.<\/p>\n
Spouses that can work together to reach an agreement on all issues could consider filing for an uncontested divorce. These divorces are faster, simpler, and cheaper than going to court.<\/p>\n
Another option is a collaborative divorce, where the spouses\u2019 lawyers help them negotiate the divorce and reach an agreement. If successful, they can avoid going to court and can save money and time.<\/p>\n
Browse more family law articles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Divorce is a legal process that requires a legal reason and court judgment to end the marriage. However, some rules and paperwork may vary from state to state. For instance, a few states require a married couple to live apart and separate before filing for divorce. During the process, the judge will resolve other issues…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":5234,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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