How Fast Can I Get Divorced? I Need a Divorce Now and Can't Wait!

by David Centeno on January 14, 2010

You might be surprised about the number of calls that I receive regarding people in need of a divorce NOW! If you too are wondering how long a divorce typically takes in New York, then read on…

Clients often quote ridiculous time frames when I ask them how soon they need to be divorced. I have been told that a website in Mexico offers same-day divorces! The problem is that you likely got married in the United States and a Mexican divorce certificate is only worth the paper its printed on. To be clear: A Mexican divorce certificate does not legally end a U.S. marriage.

The two factors that alter how long a divorce will take to complete are:

  1. Whether your soon-to-be ex-spouse signs and returns the divorce papers quickly, and
  2. How back-logged the court is.

Unfortunately, these are two factors that I have no control over.  I always complete my work extremely fast, but that doesn’t translate into a same-day divorce, or even a one month divorce.

Typically, a divorce takes approximately three months, but can take up to five.

The moral of the story: if a website’s claim seems to good to be true (i.e., like a same-day Mexican divorce), it probably is.  Consult with a licensed New York divorce attorney before wasting your time and money.  I offer free consultations to address any questions you have regarding such questions as how long your divorce should take.

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Janet January 14, 2010 at 10:36 pm

I have a friend who is mexican and he wants to divorce his wife, who lives in Mexico. She has ended the relationship a year ago and had asked him for a divorce. He is living over here in NY and were wondering if he can put through the divorce from here. Can you please kindly informe me if is possible to get divorce from here and how long it will take? He does have family and friends who can serve the divorce papers to his wife. Thanks in advance for your help!

Janet

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David Centeno January 14, 2010 at 11:14 pm

Janet, thank you for your question. In order to accurately answer your question, I would have to know where they were married and how long your friend has resided in New York State.

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Janet January 14, 2010 at 11:29 pm

My friend has been here for two years, he was married in the Capital oofMexico.

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David Centeno January 14, 2010 at 11:43 pm

Yes, he can get divorced in the U.S. and then file the Certificate of Divorce in Mexico to make it valid over there.

I would gladly offer your friend a free divorce consultation to discuss the matter further. Please have him contact my office to schedule an appointment.

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David Centeno January 14, 2010 at 11:56 pm

He also seems to qualify for an uncontested divorce, which will make his U.S. divorce a lot more affordable than if it was an international contested divorce. Congratulate him for me!

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Janet January 14, 2010 at 11:30 pm

Capital of Mexico, sorry for the typo!!

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David Centeno January 14, 2010 at 11:44 pm

No worries!

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Janet January 14, 2010 at 11:56 pm

Thanks you so much for your help. Can please give me you information so I can pass it over to my friend?

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David Centeno January 14, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Janet January 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

Another typo, lol… My apology!

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