Is There A Correct Answer to “How Soon After A Divorce May I Remarry?”

Divorce proceedings can be complex and lengthy affairs. Sometimes one party begins dating after the divorce process starts but before it is completed. Some people wonder, how soon after a divorce may I remarry. Certainly, it is understood that you cannot get married again until your divorce is final. A divorce is final only when the order is signed by a judge and entered by the Clerk of the Court. The length of time it takes to finalize your divorce depends on the complexity of the situation, and whether you are able to come to fair settlement terms.

How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce?

The length of the divorce process varies from couple to couple. There is no set time-frame during which a divorce must be completed. The more complex the issues, the more difficult and time-consuming the process will be. If the terms of the divorce are contested by one person, the divorce will likely take a long time to resolve. When the parties are in agreement to the divorce terms, the process will be of shorter duration.

Mandatory 60-Day Cooling Off Period

As part of every Arizona divorce proceeding, the court orders a mandatory 60-day cooling off period. The 60-day period starts as soon as the petition for dissolution of marriage is filed by one party and served upon the other. The cooling off period is designed to help couples make sure that they want to end their marriage. At the end of 60 days, the divorce may move forward.

Be Mindful of the Process

The introduction of a new relationship could cause animosity, and may make the divorce more difficult. If there are children involved, the introduction of a new partner should be done carefully and cautiously, keeping in mind the well-being of the children and their need for adjustment. Always be aware of the background of a new partner in terms of knowing whether they are a suitable person to have around your children.

Remarriage after Dissolution of Marriage

The divorce is final when the judge orders the dissolution of marriage and it is then entered by the Clerk of the Court.  Sometimes both the judge’s signature and entry into the system are done on the same day.  Sometimes, there is a day or two of a lag.  The date the Clerk enters the Decree will be stamped on the Decree itself – that is the official date the marriage is over. Once the marriage is legally ended, parties are free to remarry, should they choose to do so. Before making the decision to enter a new marriage, it is best to speak with an attorney. There may be some considerations that you need to review before you get married again. For example, if the part seeking to remarry is receiving spousal maintenance, it will likely end when that party remarries.

If you are going through a divorce, or are considering remarrying, speak with the experienced legal team at Udall Shumway PLC to discuss your situation.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding How Soon After A Divorce May I Remarry, or any other family law issue, please feel free to contact Sheri D. Shepard at 480.461.5300, log on to udallshumway.com, or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.