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How long does a contested divorce take in Arkansas?

How long does a contested divorce take in Arkansas?

Arkansas law requires a 30 waiting period in order for a divorce to be finalized. This means that even if both parties agree on all issues it will take at least 30 days from the day the petition is filed to be granted a divorce. If there are disagreements the process can take much longer.

How long can a spouse contest a divorce?

State and local rules may vary, but generally, if your spouse failed to respond to your divorce petition within 30 days, you may file a request to enter a default along with a proposed judgment. It may also be allowed when a spouse can’t be located for service.

Can a divorce be reversed in Arkansas?

In some states a final divorce decree can be reversed so long as both parties request it and are within the correct time frame. Those states include Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi and Nebraska. The reasons to reverse a divorce decree include mistake, misfortune, accident or fraud.

Can you contest a divorce after its final?

Generally speaking, you have thirty days in which to file an appeal after the final judgment has been issued. The appeal must be based on the court’s mistake of law; in general, no new facts can be introduced on appeal. The appellate process maintains strict procedures and deadlines about filing the notice of appeal.

What happens if you contest a divorce?

Although it usually costs the same to file either type of divorce, spouses going through a contested divorce are more likely to spend money on attorney’s fees and expert witness fees (such as financial consultants or appraisers) than a couple that agrees on most divorce-related issues.

How much does a contested divorce cost in Arkansas?

Divorce Filing Fees and Typical Attorney Fees by State

State Average Filing Fees Other Divorce Costs and Attorney Fees
Arkansas $165 Average fees: $8,000+
California $435 (Ask for a fee waiver) Average fees: $14,000
Colorado $230 Average fees: $11,000+
Connecticut $360 (excluding paternity legal action) Average fees: $12,000+

What happens when a spouse contests a divorce?

If your spouse contests the divorce at first and then you reach an agreement, you can submit your agreement to the court and the judge will decide whether the agreement is fair and issue a divorce decree. The judge will make a final decision and issue a divorce decree.

Can a divorce order be rescinded?

A rescission of the divorce order has far-reaching consequences. It has a potential of complicating the lives of the parties on multiple aspects especially where they have been divorced for a long period. It invalidates a marriage, which one spouse might have innocently entered into after the divorce was granted.

Can divorce settlements be reopened?

To reopen a divorce settlement, you must prove to the court that the settlement must be revisited due to exceptional and compelling circumstances. Usually, exceptional and compelling circumstances are limited to proving the settlement was obtained through fraud, or if one party made material misrepresentations.

Is it worth fighting a divorce?

There’s little point to it unless the sole objective is to hurt the person you’re fighting. But given that every disagreement between you and your spouse can potentially increase the cost of your divorce, both sides get hurt financially – if not emotionally – in the process.

How to get a divorce in the state of Arkansas?

Your spouse can contest or object to you getting a divorce. However, as long as you can prove fault or prove that you and your spouse have been living separate and apart for at least 18 months, then the court will grant your divorce. You will have to be prepared to put on proof of fault or 18 months of separation.

Who is the plaintiff in an uncontested divorce in Arkansas?

The spouse filing for an uncontested divorce is the “plaintiff,” and the other spouse is called the “defendant.” In an Arkansas uncontested divorce, the plaintiff must provide a reason, or grounds, for divorce.

Can a witness attend a divorce hearing in Arkansas?

If your witness can’t attend the hearing, the court will accept a signed and notarized affidavit from the witness who states that you or your spouse is a resident of Arkansas and that you don’t live with your spouse. If you have signed a settlement agreement, you will present it to the judge at the hearing.

Can a gift be split in an Arkansas divorce?

In most cases, gifts to one spouse and inherited property are considered separate assets and are not split in an Arkansas divorce. However, when an inheritance is spent inside of the marriage in a way that benefits both spouses, it can become marital property.