{"id":2779,"date":"2022-02-19T14:53:28","date_gmt":"2022-02-19T19:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/?p=2779"},"modified":"2022-07-28T10:12:27","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T15:12:27","slug":"divorce-in-delaware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/divorce-in-delaware\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Complete Guide to Getting a Divorce in Delaware"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
What We Cover In This Article<\/strong><\/p>\n Divorce Laws<\/a> | Residency Requirements<\/a> | Grounds for Divorce<\/a> | Divorce Attorney<\/a> | Filing for Divorce<\/a> | Online Divorce<\/a> | How Long?<\/a> | Divorce Costs<\/a> | Custody<\/a> | Child Support<\/a> | Alimony<\/a> | Division of Asset<\/a> | Common-Law Marriage<\/a> | Alternatives<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Anyone who has been through a divorce can tell you that the process is exhausting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only is it a massive life change, but it is also a complicated and involved legal process. The emotions involved in a divorce lay across the spectrum: grief, anger, fatigue, confusion, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The divorce laws and nuances in Delaware only serve to add to your confusion. If you are considering divorce or just starting on this journey, you are probably feeling pretty lost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you get through this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep reading for all of the information you will need to navigate your divorce in Delaware, including the types of divorce, the specific laws surrounding each situation, whether or not you should hire a lawyer, the considerations relating to child support or alimony, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Specific rules and laws govern divorces in each state<\/a>. The Delaware State Code outlines the procedures and Laws that determine how to complete each case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Delaware laws on domestic relations, including marriage, custody, divorce, and more, are laid out very clearly in Title 13<\/a> of the state code. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter 15<\/a> and its 23 included sections are related to divorce and annulment and contain all of the specific divorce laws in Delaware. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The code covers every scenario and provides a guideline for each situation. Divorce in Delaware is not a subjective matter. The laws cover each step of the divorce process and outline how the courts will approach child support, custody, alimony, property division, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must follow state law. Even small mistakes or missteps can cause delays in your divorce proceeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This guide will use the words \u201cdivorce\u201d and \u201cdissolution\u201d interchangeably to mean the legal end of a marriage. However, Delaware uses \u201cdissolution\u201d to refer to the end of a civil union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Title 13, Chapter 2 <\/a>of the Delaware Code describes civil unions. Before July 1, 2013, a civil union was the state\u2019s alternative to same-sex marriage. In 2013, Delaware became the 11th state<\/a> to legalize gay marriage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With this legalization, Delaware offered same-sex couples in civil unions the opportunity to apply to the Clerk of Court to convert their relationship to a legally-recognized marriage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As of July 1, 2014, all civil unions (unless they were pending a dissolution) automatically converted to marriage, and the couples only had to apply for a copy of their marriage certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before Delaware eradicated civil unions in favor of same-sex marriage, the dissolution process was the same as a legal divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different types of divorce you can pursue in Delaware. The kind of divorce you will get relies on the reason and whether or not you and your spouse agree on the grounds and terms of the dissolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The word \u201cgrounds\u201d means the reason for the divorce. In an at-fault divorce in Delaware, one party accuses the other of misconduct. A no-fault divorce does not require a reason or proof of wrongdoing from either party. Each ground is listed and defined in \u00a7 1505, Chapter 15, Title 13, Delaware Code<\/a>, which spells out the intricacies of this law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you attempt to prove fault in the divorce, the only requirement is a separation period of six months. There is no legal separation in Delaware, so you have no obligation to file for anything or inform the state of your intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two types of divorce in Delaware. These types of divorce are known as contested and uncontested, and they influence the procedures you will follow and the length of the dissolution process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Figuring out if your marriage dissolution will be a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce will rely on your circumstances and whether you and your former partner agree on the terms of the divorce and the grounds on which you file for dissolution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you cannot find your spouse or there is an immediate danger to you or somebody else if you and your ex-partner communicate, it is best to discuss the impending divorce and try to come to fair and agreeable terms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You and your spouse may have many details to hammer out together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, child custody makes a divorce more complicated than anyone desires. A custody battle can be a contentious and emotional point that leads to further fighting and anger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you and your spouse cannot agree on custody terms, you will want to familiarize yourself with the custody laws in Delaware and understand how they work during your divorce proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to custody, child support is another point of friction. Will you or your spouse have to pay child support or alimony (otherwise known as spousal support)? <\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the questions you will have to address during the divorce. You and your ex may not see eye to eye and may need a judge to intervene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You or your spouse might desire to split your property or assets in the divorce. Delaware is an equitable distribution state, which means you do not automatically split property 50\/50. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You distribute marital property in a manner intended to be fair to both parties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We will review all of the considerations you must make when filing for divorce in Delaware, but first, we will give an overview of the two types of divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A contested divorce is the more complicated of the two types of divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contested means opposed or objected. If your case is a contested divorce, this indicates that you or your spouse do not agree on the terms and require intervention and assistance from the family court on at least one aspect of the filing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To start any divorce proceeding, one party must go to the Family Court in the Delaware county where either they or their spouse resides and file a Petition for Divorce\/Annulment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once served, the spouse will file an Answer to Petition for Divorce\/Annulment, or they choose to do nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Delaware Family Court<\/a> considers a divorce contested once the respondent (meaning the person who gets served with the initial divorce complaint) files an Answer with the courts objecting to the divorce terms laid out in the Petition for Divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The respondent can object to any part of the Petition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The objection could mean that you need a judge to decide on the custody of your children, alimony or child support payments, distribution of assets, or all of the above. Or, a contested divorce might mean that one of you disagrees with the grounds for the divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you have filed for divorce on the grounds of misconduct and you cite your partner\u2019s adultery as the reason, your partner can file an answer contesting this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They can claim the adultery never happened, counter with an accusation against you, or ask the judge to grant the divorce on different grounds, like six months of separation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once someone contests a divorce, the courts automatically schedule a hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are going through a contested divorce, you will want to buckle up for a more strenuous process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We always suggest that you speak to an attorney to protect yourself and your rights during this emotional process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In almost all cases, it is preferable to pursue an uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse can agree on the terms, you will both save a lot of time, money, and hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, in some cases, you may need a contested divorce. If there is domestic violence involved<\/a>, you and your spouse cannot agree on divorce terms, or another reason, a contested divorce might be your best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few requirements during your divorce. Delaware state law requires mediation between parties<\/a> when children are involved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In some situations, you can file a motion to bypass mediation. The Family Court will only approve this in extreme circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The courts will disallow mediation if they have found domestic violence between the parties, if an Order of Protection exists, or if one of the parties is a tier 2 or 3 sex offender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most divorces, mediation is an excellent step to getting opposing spouses on the same page. You will work with a certified Mediator to create an agreement. Usually, this agreement deals with child support and custody. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you cannot solve these issues in mediation, you will attend a hearing where a judge will decide. The Family Court judge will be required to look at the dispute objectively. In the custody section below, we will review the considerations the judge must make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another requirement in any divorce that involves children up to the age of 17 is that the parties attend a Parent Education class<\/a>. The course is not a parenting class. It is a class that teaches divorcing couples how to deal with their divorce as parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both parties must file a Certificate of Completion within 180 days of filing the divorce petition. If this certificate is not submitted, the courts may dismiss the divorce entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An uncontested divorce in Delaware means one of two things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can obtain an uncontested divorce if you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse meet the legal requirements for a divorce in Delaware and agree on all terms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You must meet the residency requirement and separation or grounds requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Delaware separates ancillary relief (property division and spousal support) from the divorce proceeding. This separation means that a judge decides the distribution of marital property and debt or the issuance of alimony payments at a separate hearing after finalizing the divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There will be an ancillary hearing to determine the outcome of these issues. This practice is great because it does not delay the actual divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Uncontested divorces are considerably more manageable than contested divorces. You may even be able to dissolve your marriage without ever stepping foot in a courtroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Plaintiff, or the spouse who files the initial Petition for Divorce, will have a choice of which type of divorce proceeding they would like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can request a hearing to confirm and order the divorce. If the petitioner chooses a hearing, they must attend. However, it is optional for the respondent to come to this hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The other proceeding does not require standing in front of a judge. The petitioner can choose for the courts to decide the divorce based on the papers filed by the parties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To have a divorce decided on the papers, you must take specific steps and file the proper paperwork. We will review all of the paperwork involved in your divorce in detail in the \u201cFiling\u201d section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you qualify for an uncontested divorce, using an online divorce service is a great way to save a lot of money. Keep in mind in Delaware, divorce can cost over $15,000 <\/span>in fees if you file for divorce with an attorney.<\/p> We reviewed, rated, and ranked the best online divorce services available and our #1 choice is 3StepDivorce.<\/p> Before filing for divorce in Delaware, you must ensure that you or your spouse meet the legal residency requirements for a divorce proceeding in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Residency is crucial. If the Delaware government does not recognize that the state has jurisdiction over your union and divorce, it will halt the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid this unnecessary interruption and delay by determining whether you meet the residency requirement before filing for divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to \u00a71504 of Title 13, Chapter 15<\/a> of the Delaware State Code, you or your spouse must have actually resided in Delaware for at least six months immediately preceding the divorce filing. This law applies to members of the Armed Services as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If one or both of you are stationed in the state for six months or more, you qualify as a resident and can proceed with the divorce process in the Delaware courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Section 1503 of the same chapter defines \u201cactually resided\u201d as \u201cdomiciled.\u201d This definition means that it is not enough to have property or family in the state. You or your spouse must have physically lived in Delaware before you can file for divorce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some specific situations may come up when examining the residency requirements of Delaware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some states, this can be a tricky process. Fortunately, in Delaware, the residency requirement only applies to one party, whether the filer or the respondent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, it is okay if you or your soon-to-be-ex live in another state, as long as one of you meets the six-month requirement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Attempting to divorce someone when you do not know their whereabouts is a frightening prospect. Delaware is one of the few states that make this scenario simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you cannot locate your spouse, file for divorce as normal. You will fill out Form 241, or an Affidavit that a Party's Address is Unknown, and file it with the Clerk of Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have filled out Form 241 or provided the courts with an address but they were unable to serve your spouse, they will notify you that publication is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Delaware Family Court website<\/a> contains a Legal Notices section. When we wrote this guide, the site was under construction and listed as \u201ccoming soon.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may post your listing on this Legal Notices website, or you can print it in one of the approved newspapers. You only have to publish your notice one time to satisfy the legal requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the court receives no answer from your missing spouse, you will proceed with an uncontested divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many states divide divorce into two categories: \u201cfault\u201d and \u201cno-fault.\u201d Delaware does not use these terms, but the concept is the same. The available divorce grounds in Delaware are a mixture of fault and no-fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An at-fault divorce is one in which one of the parties accuses the other party of misconduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMisconduct\u201d in this case refers to one of the following situations as detailed in \u00a7 1503 of Title 13, Chapter 15<\/a> of Delaware\u2019s code:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you file for divorce on the grounds of misconduct, understand that you will have to prove any allegations that you make against your spouse. You will do this by submitting evidence<\/a> to the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the court grants divorce on the grounds of misconduct, the separation requirement does not apply. If you can prove misconduct, such as adultery or desertion, the court will not consider the length of time that you and your spouse have lived apart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a no-fault divorce, you do not have to prove misconduct. No evidence is necessary. What this means is that you are divorcing because the marriage is irretrievably broken and that reconciliation is improbable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To obtain a divorce without proving misconduct, the couple has to fulfill a separation requirement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Delaware requires that divorcing couples live separately for at least six months before filing for divorce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike many other states, Delaware allows separated couples to live in the same house as long as they do not share a bedroom or engage in sexual relations together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to \u00a7 1505, Chapter 15, Title 13, Delaware Code<\/a>, if the couple resumes sexual activity or temporarily sleeps in the same room during the separation as an attempt to reconcile the marriage, they are still considered a separated couple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This rule means that they do not have to start their six-month separation period over again, as long as they do not sleep in the same bedroom or have sexual relations during the thirty days immediately preceding the divorce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A no-fault divorce, or a divorce on the grounds of separation, is a simpler process than an at-fault divorce because you are not required to submit evidence of your partner\u2019s wrongdoing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing a divorce on the grounds of voluntary separation does not mean that you or your ex-spouse are blameless in the dissolution of your marriage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, approaching your divorce in this manner can make it less contentious and possibly lead to a simpler, uncontested divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps the biggest question you will ask yourself when considering divorce is whether or not you should hire a divorce attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a big decision that can be influenced by several elements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are going through a complicated or contested divorce, we always suggest that you consult with a lawyer so that you are protected and have somebody to guide you through the long and confusing process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it is not always crucial that you hire a lawyer. If you can avoid paying for representation, you can potentially save yourself thousands of dollars in divorce-related legal fees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Divorce costs can be exorbitantly high. You will want to save money wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We wanted to help you unravel the confusion surrounding the attorney question, so we dedicated part of this detailed guide solely to divorce attorneys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We will cover when you should or shouldn\u2019t use an attorney, and which factors will influence your decision, the pros and cons of hiring a divorce lawyer, and how to choose the right lawyer for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your divorce is uncontested and you have a solid understanding of the laws and the procedures around your divorce, you can probably proceed without an attorney. In many such cases, you do not need to go to court in Delaware. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you have obstacles that are in the way of you and your spouse having an uncontested divorce or if you are not confident in your ability to navigate the legal system and complete the dissolution without assistance, you may want to hire counsel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the factors that increase your chance of needing an attorney include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The major disadvantage to hiring representation during this process is that attorneys cost money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since lawyers charge anywhere between $100 and $300 (or even more) per hour, the costs of hiring an attorney in your divorce can range well into the thousands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the advantages of obtaining counsel may outweigh the costs. With a lawyer on your side, you have someone to help you navigate the complicated legal system and ensure that you proceed with the divorce properly according to Delaware law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since divorce law is so strict and everything must be filed correctly and within the appropriate timeframes, having a legal team ensures that you do not miss any important deadlines or commit any careless errors when filing your divorce petition or answer, or any other motion or paperwork that is required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since your lawyer is such an important part of your divorce process, you must find one that has adequate experience and who makes you feel comfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This period of your life is difficult and confusing, so you want to choose the right lawyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You must have faith in your attorney and be able to communicate with them effectively. This is the person you are trusting with representing you during a major life event, so they have to be the right fit for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More:<\/strong> Divorce advice for men<\/a> or Divorce advice for women<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The best divorce attorney is one that you feel completely at ease around. You must be comfortable with this key player in your divorce proceedings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A good divorce attorney will possess several qualities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There may be other qualities that you will want to see in an attorney before hiring them to handle your divorce. Make sure to jot these down so that you can reference your list of qualifications while on the hunt for counsel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know what qualities you are looking for in a lawyer, you have to find someone who fits the bill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step when looking for a good divorce attorney is to determine your budget. Since you already have a list of qualities, you will be further narrowing down your search by only speaking to attorneys you can afford. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some tips for finding lawyers that may meet your needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have created a list of attorneys, call them to gather more information and to schedule an interview or consultation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rank the attorneys in order of how interested you are in working with them. You will start with your top pick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you interview your favorite and feel comfortable proceeding, then your search is over. If not, then move on to the next lawyer on your list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first time you meet with a potential divorce lawyer, you will want to ask them some questions to determine whether they will be a good fit for your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These questions will help you decide if a lawyer has the qualities you are looking for and if the two of you are capable of working together in this capacity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation. This depends entirely on the lawyer and their practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are unable to locate an attorney who offers a free or affordable first meeting, the Online Lawyer Referral Service<\/a> of the Delaware State Bar Association will help you arrange an initial 30-minute consultation with an attorney for a $35 fee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Even if you do not hire an attorney after meeting with them, the initial consultation will be confidential, and none of the details of your conversation can be used against you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most areas, once you have consulted with an attorney, your ex cannot retain their services. It is considered a breach of ethics for the lawyer to oppose you even if you do not hire them, since they will have gained inside information unfairly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The advantages of using an attorney are numerous: <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you file for divorce, you must be sure to follow the proper steps and prepare all the paperwork correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any mistakes could lead to your divorce petition being dismissed, meaning you have to start the process over from the beginning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Delaware\u2019s family court system makes it simple to find the necessary forms, and the Divorce Instruction Packet<\/a> details the process step-by-step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This part of our guide will explain each step of the divorce process and lead you to the appropriate forms and documents so that you are fully equipped when filing for a divorce in Delaware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be aware that while this guide is excellent for those who are representing themselves in a Delaware divorce, if you elect to hire an attorney, your legal team will handle most of this process for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> The information below is perfect for you to get an overview of the divorce filing process and also use as a guide if you will be filing for divorce on your own. However, if you are using an attorney, their team will typically be taking care of these steps as part of their proper representation of you as a client.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You must prepare all of the correct forms properly so that your divorce goes smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before filling out any paperwork, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the divorce-related forms can be found on Delaware's family court website<\/a>. We will refer to them by name so they are easy to locate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the forms that must be filed initially when you are seeking a divorce. Delaware requires you to file the original and one photocopy of each form:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a situation matching the description of any of these forms, then that form must be filed with your initial divorce packet. As with other forms, file the original and one copy with the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on child custody as part of your divorce proceedings, Delaware has a Child Custody Instructions Packet<\/a> available. However, we recommend that you hire a lawyer for all contested custody cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your spouse files the Petition for Divorce and you are the respondent, you will prepare an Answer. The Divorce and Annulment Answer Packet<\/a> contains a thorough guide on how to navigate your divorce papers as the defendant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want assistance with preparing your divorce forms appropriately and instructions on how to file them correctly, using an online divorce service is a great idea to save a lot of money and hassle.<\/p> We reviewed, rated, and ranked the best online divorce services available and our #1 choice is 3StepDivorce.<\/p> The term \u201cfiling\u201d refers to submitting documents to the court or government entity that is in charge of entering them into the official record. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To file your divorce forms, you must discern which county has jurisdiction over the divorce. This can be the Delaware county where either you or your spouse currently lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since Delaware only has three counties, it is easy to figure out where to bring your paperwork. You will file your papers at the Resource Center in the Family Court Building of each county. For New Castle County, the Resource Center is located in the Leonard L Williams Justice Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may file your papers by mail to the appropriate address. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may also file your petition and other forms by email<\/a> by sending them to FC_DivorceAncillary@delaware.gov. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You must pay a filing fee<\/a>. If you file by email, a staff member will call you for your credit card information. For this reason, make sure you include your phone number in the email. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of filing your divorce papers is the Request for Notice Form. This tells the court how you will be serving your spouse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ancillary Financial Disclosure Report is necessary for divorces that include ancillary relief (child or spousal support, division of assets, and more). <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a detailed form that includes very personal financial information. Even if you do not want to share the information with your former spouse, you must enter it into the form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Online divorce services have been gaining popularity as a way for people to obtain a divorce quickly and easily<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using an online divorce service, you can file without an attorney, but you will still have the benefits of professional assistance through the divorce process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can prepare complex divorce documents and navigate the legal system. This frees you up to focus on leaving this part of your life behind and moving on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With these services, you can be sure that the affair is handled correctly and still save money at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online divorces eliminate confusion and difficulty, making the process much smoother and more bearable than a DIY or attorney-assisted divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online divorce services are not available for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, some issues are too complex to entrust to the internet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To qualify to complete your divorce online, there are conditions you must meet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike in many other states, it is possible to get an online divorce in Delaware if you and your spouse have children together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As long as you agree on the divorce terms (including custody, child support, alimony, etc.) and define these in your Separation Agreement, you can proceed with a divorce with children just like any other uncontested divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be aware that in all divorces where children are involved, whether it is amicable or contentious, Delaware requires that both parents complete a Parent Education Class and submit a Certificate of Completion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This demand remains when filing for divorce online. You and your spouse must both submit the Certificate of Completion to avoid your divorce case being dismissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many online divorce services even offer an online version of this parent education course so that you can complete each step of the process in one convenient location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you file through an online divorce service, you will not need to go to court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain conditions may make it necessary for you to go to the courthouse to file some paperwork, but in most cases, the online divorce service will file everything directly to the court on your behalf. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since Delaware allows a divorce to be decided on the papers filed, a judge can grant your divorce without you ever stepping foot into a courtroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like in a DIY uncontested divorce where you file the forms yourself, you will have the option of a decision on the papers or a hearing that you must attend to finalize the divorce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people choose to have the divorce decided on the papers. It is more convenient and does not require court attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that in cases where children are involved, Delaware requires a short hearing to confirm the agreement between you and your spouse. This hearing usually lasts around fifteen minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re researching divorce, you are probably ready to get it over with quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people are eager to zip through the divorce process and find themselves on the other side. We know that you are probably no exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, Delaware is one of the easiest states to obtain a divorce in, so the process can be speedy- if it is not complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some elements can affect the divorce timeline and make it happen faster or slower. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the speediest divorce in Delaware will be an amicable uncontested divorce, whereas a longer divorce will be a contested divorce with several unresolved issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Divorce in Delaware can take anywhere from one month to a year or more. The factors that increase and decrease divorce timelines are as follows. We will explore them in more depth below:Types of Divorce Laws in Delaware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Contested Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros & Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n
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Uncontested Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros & Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n
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<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVisit 3StepDivorce\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRead Our Review\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\tResidency Requirements in Delaware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What if One of Us Lives Out of State?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What if I Cannot Locate My Spouse?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Grounds for Divorce in Delaware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Using a Delaware Divorce Attorney<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Makes a Good Divorce Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Find a Good Divorce Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interview Questions for Divorce Attorneys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the Initial Consultation Free?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the Meeting Confidential?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros of Using an Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nCons of Using an Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Filing for Divorce in Delaware <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Preparing Your Divorce Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can print the blank documents and fill them in by hand, or you can fill them in electronically when available. <\/p>\n\n\n\nInitial Forms <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Optional Forms – Dependent on Situation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVisit 3StepDivorce\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRead Our Review\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\tFiling Your Divorce Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Serving Your Spouse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Financial Disclosures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Online Divorce in Delaware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Qualify for an Online Divorce in Delaware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do You Still Need to Go to Court?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Delaware?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n