Are you going to divorce your spouse, and are you waiting for the final hearing? Are you worried about why your device process is taking so long? Do you want to know How Long Can A Spouse Drag Out A Divorce? If that’s the case, this guide is for you, and we’ll discuss it in detail.
A final hearing does not mean only one hearing, and it’s over! Every court takes time to process your divorce requests and go through two to three or more headings. You’ll proceed to the final hearing step once the court decides on all your and your spouse’s finances.
So, most divorce processes go through the steps, a few hearings, and reach the final hearing. As for the duration, the final hearing can take from days to weeks, including the first 2 to 3 initial hearings. However, it’ll depend on the court to look at the grounds and decide.
How Many Divorces Go To The Final Hearing? Overview
Every divorce process and court procedure takes time. You don’t need to worry if your divorce is taking longer. Your divorce can reach the final hearing quickly, depending on several factors. This might include how many issues it takes both of you to resolve and decide by the court.
In addition, your representative, a solicitor, can assist you in reaching your final hearing — as soon as possible. Why so? That’s because your spouse might not attend one of the initial court hearings resulting in delays. Your agent can visit your partner and request to attend hearings.
Steps In Hearings – FDA, FDR, And Final
A divorce that requires financial settlement goes through 3 hearing steps. The first step is the FDA, the second is FDR, and the 3rd one is the final hearing. In a divorce where both parties agree, the first hearing becomes the final, and the court declares the divorce.
FDA (First Directions Appointment)
FDA is the first hearing in your divorce process for settling finances. You and your spouse send the dispute to each other and the court. Your dispute will go through a checking process. If the dispute is fair, the judge will make its decision. If not, it’ll lead to an FDR hearing.
FDR (Financial Dispute Resolution)
If the dispute does not agree, it’ll require an FDR hearing. Both parties try to settle things during this hearing and avert a final hearing. So, most cases end up in a decision at this stage. A few cases may go into the final stage, where the judge delivers their ruling.
Final Hearing And Court Decision
If the partners, their lawyers, and the court cannot resolve the dispute, the case will enter into a final hearing. But at this stage, the court will decide whether the parties agree on their financial issues. So, it’s better to work out issues before or at least in this hearing.
Things To Consider Before Your Final Hearing
The final hearing is not normal, as you and your spouse constantly have disputes. And that’s why there are some cons to taking the divorce process into the final stage. So, before your divorce goes to a final hearing, consider these things, and your mind might change.
Legal Work Takes Time
As you know, legal procedures take longer than normal, several weeks to months. You’ll spend much time going to court, and judge absence sometimes results in delayed hearings. Even if one party gets enough time for settlement, the other party wants a quick divorce.
Costly And Stressful
If your divorce process excessively extends, you’ll need to pay for the extra duration. As stated earlier, sometimes the judge is absent, resulting in delays. These delays between the cases are annoying and can place you under stress regarding your final hearing.
Don’t Go For Court
Yes, you read right! You don’t need to go to court for your divorce — there are other methods to choose from. You can go to a solicitor and discuss all the facts about your spouse and finances. You’ll get divorced without going to court, saving you time and money.
Solicitor’s Role In Your Final Hearing
Do You Need A Solicitor To Get Divorced? Sometimes, the case proceeds to a final hearing, which needs proper care as one party can get affected. You need to hire a solicitor, like KQ Solicitors, to put your points in front of the court. It’ll help to keep you and even your ex-spouse in a safe position when sharing assets.
Before the judge decides anything during your final hearing, you’ll have to talk to your solicitor or lawyer. If your ex-spouse has hired a solicitor, both representatives can present all the settlements. Both solicitors will review the final evidence to represent them in court.
FAQs
Q. How many divorces go to the final hearing in the UK?
A. In 2019, only about 14% of all divorces in England and Wales went to a final hearing.
Q. Is there a time limit for when I must apply for a final hearing?
A. Yes, you must apply for a final hearing within six months of the date you first applied for divorce.
Q. Are there any other costs associated with attending a final hearing?
A. Yes, there are additional court fees associated with attending a final hearing which may include an application fee, legal fees, and expert witness fees.
Q. How long does a final hearing typically last?
A. A final hearing can last anywhere from a few hours to multiple days, depending on the case’s complexity.
Q. Is there any way to avoid having to attend a final hearing?
A. Yes, couples may choose to use mediation or arbitration to reach a settlement agreement before the need for a final hearing arises.
Divorce Stats England & Wales
Conclusion
Well! That’s how your divorce proceeds to the final hearing and gets declared by the court. It depends if you are still confused about how many divorces go to the final hearing. Divorces in which the parties don’t agree upon finances, and other issues can lead to the final hearing.
You’ll have to go through the three steps, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd hearing. Your lawyers or solicitors can play a significant part in declaring your divorce before proceeding to the final stage. If you want to save time and money, don’t go to court and hire a solicitor to avoid these issues.
