Why Would Someone Rush a Divorce?

A spouse may rush a divorce for one or more of the following reasons:

Emotional or impulsive decision
Cheating by one of the spouses
Mutual and cordial decision
Wanting to save money and get it over quick
Addiction and/or domestic abuse

Many people rush into a divorce without thinking about what they will accomplish and how things will change after the divorce. They just want to be out of the relationship immediately. A divorce is a painful event for anyone, no matter how liberating it may seem to some people, but unduly rushing into a divorce can create many complications.

That said, here are some of the reasons why people may rush a divorce:

Emotional or Impulsive Decision

Some people may have grown so distant from their spouse or are angry or fed-up with him/her, or have fallen so out of love that they just want to be done with the relationship, with no desire left to even consider saving the marriage. Such spouses see no other way out other than divorce to get back their happiness in life. They are no longer able to deal with the sadness, guilt, or anger, and therefore they feel that it is best to go for closure.

Cheating

A spouse may be cheating on his partner either financially or by having an extramarital sexual or emotional affair. He/she may have decided that it would be a good idea to end the marriage before the other spouse discovers his/her secret because such a discovery can lead to lawsuits and financial or emotional pain.

So, when a spouse is rushing a divorce, it is always a good idea for the other spouse to think and dig into the reasons why. He/she can be surprised when the secret is revealed.

Mutual and Cordial Decision

Some spouses may be in a transparent and respectful marriage, but they may not be made for each other. In such marriages, their decision to divorce can be mutual and cordial. They may even remain friends with each other after the event. Even in such a case, our advice to spouses is that it is better not to rush into a divorce because of the reasons explained later.

Saving Money

Some spouses can rush into a quick divorce because it would save them time, and more importantly, money. The median cost of a divorce in the pre-COVID-19 era was $7,500, which can matter a lot in these times of high inflation in an uncertain economy.

Addiction and/or Domestic Abuse

When a spouse just cannot handle the other spouse’s addictions to substances or other vices like gambling, or tolerate the physical/emotional abuse that he/she inflicts on the family, then he/she may feel justified in opting for a divorce than continuing in a painful and chaotic marriage.

It is not a good idea to rush into a divorce no matter how compelling or liberating it may seem. A divorce is a game-changing event that can turn life upside down. It needs thorough discussion and proper planning – not hasty decision-making or quickly drafted agreements. Here is our take on why it makes sense to pause and think and not rush a divorce.

Why You Should Not Rush a Divorce

Division of Property Takes Time

It takes time to gather personal records, property documents, bank accounts statements, and other financial information, and understand how property division will impact both the spouses after the divorce. The attorneys on both sides need to comb through these records and then recommend an asset division that is in line with the state’s laws. If this process is rushed through, the property/assets may be unequally divided and that could impact the future of the spouses and their children.

The Spouse who Rushes a Divorce May Not Hire an Experienced Attorney

Not hiring a family law attorney or working with a rookie divorce attorney just because a spouse is in a hurry can weaken the case. The other spouse’s attorney can offer a bad deal that may look attractive on paper and the vulnerable spouse can jump at it, only to discover at a later date that he/she was shortchanged.

A Parenting Plan Must Be Thought Through

A parenting plan must be drafted in the best interests of the child/children and each plan must take into account the child’s basic needs, comforts, conveniences, and extracurricular activities. Creating such a plan takes time, effort, collaboration, and sometimes even expert opinion. It must not be rushed through.

Decisions about Child Custody Take Time

You need to think through legal and physical custody, which can further be classified as sole, joint, primary, or split custody. Child custody should be planned such that it works in the best interests of the child and only an experienced custody lawyer can help the parents draft a plan that is likely to find the approval of the courts.

Consequences of a Divorce Can Be Unpleasant

Any divorce can leave you with half, or less, of everything you have worked to create during the marriage. It can turn life upside down and cause a lot of pain to your children and family members. A hasty decision can also be regretted by you at a later date.

So, take all the time in the world, imagine your family’s life after the divorce, and think through things carefully before rushing into a divorce.

Finally, hire an experienced divorce attorney who can protect your rights, is a good fit for your case, and specializes in amicably resolving divorces.

About the Author: Keith Bruss

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY AND WHY

Check out what some of our real life clients had to say about working with Brown Family Law

Excellent

Brown Family Law

4.8

Based on 916 reviews

See all reviews

Chris Porter

You get what you pay for, and the Brown Family team is worth every penny. We truly appreciated their team-based approach, making sure that every detail of our case was thoughtfully handled. They were incredibly easy to work with, kept us informed throughout the process, and made sure no question ever went unanswered. By far the best family attorneys I’ve worked with, and the only ones I’ll call if I ever need legal help again.

Response from the owner:Chris, thank you. Glad we were able to guide you through your process.

Joselyn Cortes

Andrew made the whole process smooth and quick! Kept me updated on any changes, and followed up with me constantly!

Made me feel at ease throughout the whole process and made sure I felt seen/ heard!

Response from the owner:Joselyn, thank you for the kind words.

Suzanne Stevens

David Handy is my attorney and he is excellent. He understands my cases and is well informed to defend my needs and the needs of my kids. He is supportive and compassionate. Telling me how things are and what to expect. He does very well with my high conflict cases (protective order and divorce). I highly recommend him and the Brown Family Law firm. Everyone I have talked to is helpful. Especially Conor Schetzel who is currently the paralegal on my cases.

Response from the owner:Suzanne, thank you and glad David has taken care of you.

Jaren Harmon

Nathaniel Garrabrandt and Brown Family Law is where I send people who are seeking Divorce. Highly professional and compassionate. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Jaren, thank you for the referrals.

Meghann Christensen

I cannot say enough good about my experience with Brown Family Law. Ray Hingson and paralegal Carren did an excellent job with my case. I will definitely use this firm again for any legal issues.

Response from the owner:Meghann, so glad Ray and Carren took good care of you.

Monica Cooper

I have worked with Andrew Christensen many times in a variety of situations. I am very impressed with his friendly demeanor in a difficult situation. I would highly recommend him to you without any reservations.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Monica.

Michael Bringhurst

Highly recommend Brown Family Law. Life is hard, divorce is harder, and Andrew Christensen is your guy to help you through to the other side.

Response from the owner:Mike, thank you for the kind words and the referrals.

David Thimm

When you’re going through a tough time and need legal help, this firm isn’t just a one-person operation. It’s a team of attorneys who work together to support you every step of the way. So you’re not just getting a lawyer, you’re getting a legal team behind you.

Navigating the legal system was a steep learning curve for me, and my situation was fairly complex. What stood out about this law firm was the way multiple attorneys collaborated to address my case. It wasn’t just one person working in isolation, but a team supporting each other to find the best path forward. That kind of collective effort is a real strength, especially in hard out complex situations like mine.

There was one issue I felt should have had a different outcome with the court. When I brought it up, the team responded in a very professional and respectful manner, which I truly appreciated. It came to my understanding that the legal system sometimes works in a way that is distant than I thought. This was presented to me in a way that someone outside of the legal system could understand.

In my experience, this firm takes the time to not only assist you, but also help you understand why things are happening. That made a big difference for me, and it’s something that really sets them apart.

Response from the owner:David, thank you for our conversation and taking the time to leave this review.

Steve Baum

My experience with Jennifer and Brown Family Law was nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning of my initial consultation all the through until my case was settled, I was well taken care of and updated every step of the way. I felt like my team genuinely cared about the outcome of my case, which was refreshing. You get what you pay for, and Brown Family was worth every penny. To say I highly recommend this group is an understatement.

Response from the owner:Thank you very much, Steve. Glad Jennifer took good care of you.

Casey Bingham

Andrew Christensen was a great divorce lawyer. He is very experienced, professional, and was great to work with during this difficult process.

Response from the owner:Casey, thank you and so glad Andrew served you well.

Brian Lapp

Made my divorce quick and painless. 5 months ago I was feeling very overwhelmed. There was legal issues with protective orders, my ex wife had taken my kids to another country without my consent, I was in way over my head. After speaking with brown law they calmed my nerves took over my case. A few video calls and 5 months later my divorce is finalized with a fair outcome for everyone. It was easy and stress fee, it didn’t even feel like I was going through a divorce.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Brian. Sorry you went through all of that, but glad we were able to help.

Tashell Smith

Jennifer was excellent! She was always responsive and kept me updated on my case. while the billing was a little different from what I expected, her expertise was invaluable. I highly recommend her. And I appreciate everything she's done for me and may case.

Response from the owner:Jennifer, thank you and glad Jennifer was able to help you and kept you updated.

Lesia Patterson

Going through the divorce process can be overwhelming, exhausting and emotionally draining.
I did my homework to find the perfect lawyer to represent me knowing I could have peace of mind throughout the process.
Leilani Whitmer and her paralegal Idania did not disappoint. Their professionalism and dedication to my case was outstanding and fair.
Leilani had just had surgery a few days before mediation and showed up on crutches and ready to go. That’s dedication!!!
I am highly recommending them to anyone looking to feel at ease during a difficult time.

Response from the owner:Lesia, glad Leilani and Dani took such good care of you.

Belynda Magalei Winger

Anne-Greyson helped me with my post divorce issues after Clay handled my divorce. She was amazing in getting my issues resolved and I was even more thankful to have worked with Brown Family Law again. I will never stop praising this team for all of their hard work!!

Response from the owner:Belynda, thank you for your kind words.

Jaymee Johnson

Brown Family Law is an amazing law firm. Clay is always so helpful and is very easy to talk to and personable. If you need help, they are definitely the place to call! I would recommend Clay and Brown Family Law to anyone.

Response from the owner:Jaymee, glad Clay was able to help you.

Russell Rusin

Got me through my divorce with satisfactory results. Russell and Connor were very helpful and took good care of me through this difficult process.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Russell.

Josh Stephens

Leilani Whitmer, Jennifer Keeton, and Idani where all amazing and really helped me with my divorce. The team was proactive, detail oriented and deeply compassionate and really helped me through a hard time. I felt so much better when they took on my case and I didn't have to stress out because they took care of everything. I would definitely recommend them if you are in need of excellent and caring representation for any matters of family law.

Response from the owner:Josh, thank you for your kind words.

Blake Nemelka

I have always valued Marco’s advice and fairness. He comes highly recommended in this area if you’re looking for someone who will listen and fight strong and fair.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Blake.

Aric McGee

Excellent family law practice!! Very honest and up front communication about what to expect. Top quality care from our lawyer every step of the way. Thank you Paul and team! Cannot recommend enough!!!

Response from the owner:Aric, glad Paul took care of you.

Max Langley

Marco is the smartest family lawyer in Utah

Response from the owner:lol

Kurt Hunsaker

I have known Marco for many years. He is an outstanding attorney and a good friend. He cares deeply for his clients and has cultivated a “customer-oriented” culture in his firm and with his team. Marco exhibits empathy for his clients during some of their most difficult life moments, but is also straight forward and to-the-point. He and his team will help you understand exactly what you can expect during divorce proceedings and then work to achieve the best results on your behalf. There is a reason Brown Family Law receives so many positive reviews from their clients and they are so well respected by their peers. I highly recommend them!

Response from the owner:Kurt, thank you for the kind words.

Natalie Zenk

I feel so lucky to have found Brown Family Law on my first try. Their business model is to take on only a select amount of clients, so that they can give each case the attention and care that it needs. Sometimes I feel like I am their only client! They remember details, are very responsive, and really show care for the actual person - not just "the case". I feel that they are conscientious of my retainer as well, making sure that time is not being wasted. I feel that my money is being used for the things I need it to be used for.

Response from the owner:Natalie, thank you. Glad we could make you feel so good about your experience.

Shelley Jensen

I was very well pleased with Katrina. She helped me every time I asked for it and my divorce was quick and easy. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer or law firm.

Response from the owner:Shelley, thank you.

Heather Skender

Paul Waldron was our attorney and he represented my husbands case with perfect focus and provided quality advise. We would highly recommend him and Brown Family Law.

Response from the owner:Heather, glad Paul served you well.

Jules Pettit

There's so many good things I could write. But I'll just sum it up to a few things.
If you want to feel taken care of, this is the right place to be. I am grateful for feeling heard and understood with the process of my divorce, and that Andrew took the time to explain things to me, even when I had to ask him to repeat concepts and legal jargon. Additionally, I'm deeply grateful that I felt Andrew advocated for me in various ways. And last but certainly not least, I'm grateful that he was a voice of reason when I was feeling emotionally charged.
Divorce is a terrible thing to go through but if you have to do it, it's good to be taken care of, which I felt I was.

Response from the owner:Jules, thank you for your kind words. So glad Andrew was able to be the voice of reason. Divorce is hard, and helping be the voice of reason is a big part of what we do for clients.

Azucena Rojas

Got answers to all my questions . Thanks!

Response from the owner:You’re welcome. Thank you.

Beatriz Aravena

Daniel and the entire team made my divorce process an easier experience, they are truly committed and concerned about their clients. I would recommend them with my eyes closed!!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Beatriz.

Stacie Graves

Andrew is approachable, responsive, and genuinely cares about the people he works with. He takes the time to listen, understand concerns, and provides thoughtful guidance to his clients wherever possible.

Response from the owner:Stacie, thank you. Glad Andrew was able to help you.

Daniel Woods

I am a fellow lawyer to Mr. Brown. He has been nothing but professional and kind in his interactions with me. I admire his hard work and generosity.

Response from the owner:Daniel, thank you.

Annabelle Wade

My grandson is my entire world since the day he was born, when my daughter was going through a divorce I was really worried about losing time with him. She decided to use brown family law to help with her divorce after dragging her feet on it for two years, Clay was quick to meet with her and walk her through the process of divorce and help her get the case done the right way the first time. His communication was amazing and he was so quick to respond to her needs. Thank you Clay for what you’ve done for my daughter and everyone at brown family law for your kindness in the hardest phase of her life. I’m so glad she chose brown family law and I recommend them to anyone that asks me who to use for their divorce and custody cases.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words.

Re W

I can't recommend Brown Family Law enough. Their attorney are amazing to work with and helped my daughter get sole legal and physical custody of my grand son. We were really worried about the long term effects of 50/50 custody and Clay made sure my daughters decree protected her and my grand son long term. Thank you for all that you did to protect my grand son and my little girl.

Response from the owner:Thank you.

Kid Rhodey

Clay Randall was amazing helping my girlfriend with her divorce and custody case. She was able to get all of her goals achieved and to know her son is safe is such a comfort. I couldn’t recommend Brown Family Law more for all they did for her and my soon to be step son. Clay was always there to answer her questions and clarify anything she may have questions about. He thought of every possible scenario to make sure the decree protected her and her son moving forward through his life. Thank you Clay and Brown Family Law for all you have done for my girlfriend.

Response from the owner:So glad Clay communicated well and helped your girlfriend get through the process successfully. Thank you for your kind words.

Michelle Christensen

As a professional in this same industry I can attest to the fact that Marco and his team are top notch professionals. As opposing counsel on cases with Brown Family Law, I have personally witnessed the hard work, dedication, and effective advocacy skills that are implemented on behalf of their clients. You and your loved ones will be in great hands with this firm.

Response from the owner:Michelle, thank you for always being a good colleague to work with on cases.

Madeline

Anne was amazing and helped me finalize my divorce quickly. Great communication - I was always kept up-to-date on what was going on throughout the whole process.

Response from the owner:Madeline, glad Anne-Greyson communicated so well with you.

Cortney Jo

Kayelise was so kind and patient, listened to details of my case and gave me feedback that can help me moving forward. I appreciate her time.

Response from the owner:Thank you.

zane baddley

Andrew and Carren were fantastic to work with. Andrew had great communication and gave me weekly updates on my case. They showed empathy and actually cared about the outcome of my case. We created goals and were able to achieve them by the end of my case. I would absolutely highly recommend Andrew and brown family law!

Response from the owner:Zane, so glad Andrew and Carren were able to serve you so well.

Julie Johnston- Nielson

Nathaniel and Carren are absolute superstars. The way they handle their client roster is impeccable. . My representation was stellar from intake through case resolution. They were professional, attentive and compassionate. Thanks for all your hard work Brown Family Law.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Julie. Nathaniel and Carren worked hard on your case. Glad they did well for you.