Finalizing a Divorce Before Valentine’s Day

Roses are Red… Our Marriage is Through

When a relationship ends, cutting the cord can be the quickest and easiest way to move on.

Valentine’s Day – Not Just For Flowers Anymore

February 14 is often the most anticipated and dreaded date on the calendar — Valentine’s Day. The final holiday of the winter season, it is an annual celebration of love for many and a reminder of broken hearts for others.

In the midst of a separation and divorce, obtaining a final order before Valentine’s Day may be a goal for some couples looking forward to moving on. If being single again before the yearly rose and chocolate extravaganza is an important goal this year, there are a few things that couples can do to achieve their individual bliss.

Finalizing a Divorce Takes Time

Divorce is a legal process that comports to both Canada’s Divorce Act and various provincial and territorial rules of procedure. Applying for a divorce is the legal process by which married couples dissolve their matrimonial bonds. Finalizing a divorce legally absolves each person from the financial, legal, and romantic ties that could otherwise interfere with a new relationship.

During the pendency of a divorce, dating can be both detrimental and costly. A premature romantic gesture can change the terms of a divorce settlement and even be used as evidence of an ex-spouse’s propensity to unfaithfulness. With Valentine’s Day nearing, it can be tempting for a separated person to engage in romantic pursuits that may prove a poor choice.

Finalizing a divorce is a lengthy process that comes at the close of all legal proceedings. This generally means that a court has foreclosed a variety of issues before granting the final decree:

• financial and property settlements
• support and alimony
• child custody and visitation

In addition to the individual issues, a court must also verify that a divorce application satisfies the statutory requirements and that all paperwork is in order. Once a court grants the final divorce, it takes an additional thirty-one days to become effective.

Delays Carry Consequences

Finalizing a divorce before Valentine’s Day has benefits beyond the rebound dinner and a movie with a new beau. The sooner the divorce is complete, the sooner couples are able to move forward and begin the healing process.

In addition to the legal implications of divorce, most people also experience some painful memories and feelings that can remain long after a judge issues a final decree. Finalizing a divorce before Valentine’s Day is beneficial for some couples looking to avoid another awkward holiday and what to do until their separation is legal.

Valentine’s Day is the close of a long winter holiday season that lasts from October until February. Every holiday spent as a legal couple — even living separately or in different households — is another reminder and experience that can extend hurt feelings and generate resentment or confusion. Delaying a divorce past Valentine’s Day sometimes means that a final order will not arrive before the next long holiday season and could mean another year of mixed emotions and prolonged legal conflict.

During romantic holidays, some people have a tendency to act recklessly. When a divorce has not been finalized before Valentine’s Day, an innocuous date can turn costly if a soon-to-be ex-spouse decides to use it as an advantage. The sooner a divorce is final, the easier it is to begin a new conflict-free relationship unaffected by the past.

Get It Done

A local divorce attorney is the best ally before Valentine’s Day and a final divorce decree. A lawyer familiar with the courts, judges, and rules may be able to help expedite the proceedings and ease the stress and anxiety that comes with a divorce.

Whether you are contemplating divorce or in the middle of a self-represented and prolonged proceeding, consulting a local family law attorney can help move the process forward. Do not wait for another Valentine’s Day, argument, or court date to get the advice that can make a difference. Contact Fine & Associates for a consultation today.