How Long Will My Divorce Take in Oregon?

How Long Does It Take To Get a Divorce in Oregon?

Most anyone would say that they would prefer difficult times in their lives to pass through as quickly as possible, and those going through a divorce lawyer in Portland would likely say the same thing. Uncertainty over the length of a divorce, however, can often cause anxiety over the entire process. Here is what you should know about the length of divorce in Oregon.

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Keys to Keep In Mind

Before figuring out how much time your divorce will take, you have to remember that no two divorces are alike. Each divorce involves a unique couple with unique issues facing unique circumstances. Because of this, there is no guarantee your divorce will take a specific amount of time.

Factors Surrounding Your Divorce

The speed at which your divorce can be processed depends entirely on the factors surrounding it. If you and your spouse can agree on issues such as custody or support without having to go to a hearing, then your divorce could be completed in a matter of weeks. Oregon used to have a waiting period of 90 days after filing for divorce, but because lawmakers did away with that requirement, uncontested divorces can be processed as quickly as a judge can work through them.

However, if you and your spouse do not agree on these issues or if additional steps such as mediation, asset valuation, or other similar processes must take place, then you can expect your divorce to take much longer. With these factors in play, it can take on average between 6 and 12 months from the date of filing to the date the decree is signed.

Outside factors such as court backlog and other legal matters that are out of your control can also impact the length of your divorce. It is best to keep regular contact with your attorney in order to have the most up-to-date information.

Utilize an Oregon Attorney

The length of your divorce ultimately depends on the factors surrounding your unique case. It is important to work with an attorney skilled in all aspects of Oregon divorce cases in order to gain the proper perspective of your situation. Levine Law Center LLC has worked with many people on their divorce cases and is ready to help you start the next chapter of your life.

Understanding the Divorce Process in Oregon

How long does a divorce in Oregon take? Depending on case complexity, an average divorce will take around three months to over a year to conclude. The Oregon Law indicates that steps usually include:

1. Review the Divorce Papers: Read carefully through your spouse’s divorce petition, noting any issues you disagree with.
2. Get Court Forms: Download the respondent forms from the Oregon Judicial Department’s website or from your local courthouse. 
3. Fill out the Divorce Response Form: Use the “Response to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” to indicate the issues to which you don’t consent.
4. Fill out Confidential Forms: Provide your personal information in the “Confidential Information Form” and “Notice of Filing Confidential Information Form.” If questions were skipped or missed, leave those spaces blank.
5. Copy and Mail Forms to Your Spouse: The documents must be sent to your spouse via regular U.S.P.S. mail. The CIF should not be sent.
6. File the forms and pay the fees: Submit your forms to the circuit court where the divorce has been initiated. Pay the $301 filing fee or request a fee waiver or deferral where appropriate. 

Factors That Can Affect the Length of a Divorce

Several factors will determine how long it will take before the application for divorce is completely disposed of. Issues in contention, such as custody of children, alimony, or the division of property, will further prolong the divorce process through negotiation or litigation. When spouses communicate effectively, the timeline can be significantly shortened. Mediation often resolves disputes faster than litigation.

In addition, heavy caseloads in the Portland area may delay hearings, especially for contested matters. The earlier these factors are addressed, the more streamlined the process will be.

What Is the Waiting Period for Divorce in Oregon?

Oregon does not have a waiting period, which would obligate spouses to wait some specific period after filing before the divorce is final. However, practical delays due to case complexity or court scheduling are possible. For example, the required 30-day response time of a served spouse impacts the timeline.

Additionally, the residency requirements require that at least one of them be in Oregon for at least six months before filing.

Steps to Expedite Your Divorce Process

If your wish is to remove delays and expeditiously bring your divorce to a close, consider these steps:

• Consider Mediation or Collaborative Divorce: Other than speeding the process in uncontested matters, these methods may promote settlement.
• File Paperwork Properly: If the paperwork is filled out and not rejected or returned, less time will be spent on resubmission.
• Communicate Effectively: Minimize disputes through clear communication with your spouse.
• Hire a Divorce Lawyer: An experienced attorney would foresee delays and recommend solutions that will work in Portland. 

Need Legal Guidance? Contact an Experienced Portland Divorce Attorney

Divorce can be difficult and emotional to navigate, especially in Portland, Oregon. The professionals at Levine Law Center LLC have committed their services to helping clients in the most effective and fair resolution possible. Call us now at (971) 257-8813, or visit us at 1020 SW Taylor St., Suite 429, Portland, OR 97205, for a consultation.

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