Summary Dissolution

When a marriage doesn’t work for some reason, divorce is often the best option for everyone involved. A summary dissolution can be done if quick divorce conditions are met. A summary dissolution is the same as a summary divorce. When the conditions are met, there are many summary divorce benefits. Traditional divorce can be a long, drawn-out process of arguing over who gets what, what kind of custody each parent is granted, and how much support payments should be. A summary divorce can be reached if the conditions for a summary divorce are met. Generally, the benefits of a summary divorce include short divorce time and less hassle.

Quick Divorce Conditions

While each state’s exact requirements may vary, the conditions for a summary divorce are usually:

No minor children in the marriage
No real property to be divided
Married for a short amount of time, usually no more than 5 years
Low value of total marital property besides vehicles, usually less than $35,000
Each spouse’s individual property is worth less than that amount
Neither spouse insists on support
If these eligibility requirements are met, generally a summary divorce can be granted

Summary Divorce Benefits

A summary divorce can simplify the divorce process so much, that sometimes even though one spouse might be able to get temporary support payments, or might be able to fight for a certain piece of property, many will opt for a summary divorce.

The negotiations that can make traditional divorce drag on are gone with a summary divorce. Traditional divorce papers sometimes aren’t even necessary. Some states have a certain set of documents used for this type of divorce that both parties can sign stating that they want dissolution of marriage and agree to certain terms, like waiving their rights to sue for martial property or support. Once those papers are filed, the divorce is granted.

The divorce should cost much less than a traditional one. Fewer papers to file means less cost immediately, and without the court appearances often found when a couple is fighting over things, those costs are eliminated completely.

Summary Divorce in Other Cases

Some states will even allow a couple with more assets than listed above and even children between them to file for a summary divorce. In cases like that, usually they have to provide documents to the court stating that they’ve reached a mutual agreement on issues like marital property, child support, child custody and other important issues. A couple could meet with their lawyers before making the official filing to go over details of the agreement and make sure each agrees with the idea of a summary divorce. Then when filing for divorce, signed papers stating that these major issues have been agreed upon and each spouse gives up the right to challenge these decisions later, are submitted along with the divorce petition.

When a couple can dissolve the marriage with a summary divorce this way, even when property and children are involved, costs are kept to a minimum and the divorce is usually granted quickly.

If you need help with a Divorce, Click here for a Free Case Review from a Divorce Lawyer near you. The content of this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.

Thinking About Divorce?