Civil Rights
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If you're looking to end a marriage, you have options. If you don't think your union was ever legally valid in the first place, you could have it annulled. If you're tired of your spouse, but maybe want to retain some of the legal benefits of the marriage, you could opt for a legal separation. And then there's always the classic divorce.
One option many people don't know about is called a summary divorce or summary dissolution. These tend to be a bit more rare, mostly because states can be pretty particular about who is eligible for summary dissolution, and they have pretty strict deadlines. So, when is it too late for you to file for summary dissolution? Here's a look:
Dissolution Deadlines
Divorce laws can vary significantly depending on where you live, and not all states offer simplified divorces. Generally speaking, eligibility for a summary divorce or dissolution is determined by six factors:
The sixth factor is the big one. The time limits vary by state: California's deadline is five years; Oregon sets theirs at ten; meanwhile, Florida has no time limit, but you must meet other factors. Also, the divorce must be uncontested, meaning that you and your soon-to-be ex don't have any unresolved issues regarding ending the marriage and divvying up your debts and assets.
Summary Superiority
The advantages of a summary dissolution are that they are often cheaper, quicker, and tend to be more amicable than an acrimonious divorce proceeding. But they're not available for all couples, especially if you've been married too long.
While you could file for summary dissolution on your own, it's always good to talk to an experienced divorce attorney first, to decide if it's the right option for you.
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