Going through a divorce is challenging, but it can be even more difficult if your spouse is stalling during divorce proceedings. Every delay will likely end up costing you more time, money and hassle. It’s in your best interest to get through your divorce as efficiently as possible.

Reasons for Stalling During Divorce

There are many reasons why your spouse might stall during divorce. For example, if you are the primary breadwinner for your family, your spouse may be reluctant to give up the quality of life that you provide, even if it’s clear the relationship is over. Perhaps your spouse is angry about the end of the marriage and is stalling during divorce merely out of spite. In any case, the result is frustrating and stressful.

Tactics for Stalling During Divorce

One of the more common strategies for stalling during divorce is withholding documents. Your spouse may fail to respond to requests from your attorney for financial information and other important details. They may request extensions, reschedule or simply fail to show up for meetings.

In particularly difficult litigious divorces, your spouse may even lie about your behavior to gain sympathy from a judge. This could include defaming your character or accusing you of cheating or abuse. Your spouse may also try to withhold parenting time as a way to manipulate you and stall time.

What You Can Do About It

Fortunately, you don’t have to stand idly by while your spouse stalls during divorce proceedings. The most important thing is to keep moving forward. There is even a process to move your divorce forward if your spouse fails to respond to your initial filing after a certain amount of time.

In extreme cases, your attorney can also ask the court to impose sanctions on your spouse. This can result in legal or financial penalties for not complying with court orders or other rules during the divorce proceedings. You may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the added legal fees you incur as a result of their excessive stalling. Sometimes, the thought of appearing before a judge may be enough to spur your spouse into action.

Collaborative Divorce Can Move Things Along

If you don’t want your divorce to be more stressful and time-consuming than necessary, collaborative divorce is another path you can take. Rather than arguing your case in court, you and your spouse will meet in a more casual setting with a group of professionals to reach an agreement. Collaborative divorce can help you come to a mutually beneficial arrangement with regard to your finances, assets/debts, and children.

Sometimes people stall when they feel cornered as a last attempt to control the situation. The collaborative approach allows both spouses to work with attorneys, communication specialists and financial neutrals to address any complex issues they are facing. Spouses have the ability to brainstorm unique solutions that a traditional divorce might not consider. Not only can this method help your divorce to move forward, but it can also save you money and reduce your stress.

Learn More About Collaborative Divorce

If you’re interested in learning more about how collaborative divorce can help when your spouse stalls during divorce proceedings, contact Best Legal Choices to schedule a consultation today.

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