We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Quickie Divorce?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,168
Share

A quickie divorce is an expedited divorce process allowed in some regions. By relaxing residency requirements and giving extended powers to attorneys, certain states and countries can provide divorcing couples with a quick process that avoids the hassle of in-court battles. Typically, quickie divorces are only available in cases where both parties agree to all terms of the divorce and there are no minor children involved. Even in these cases, many legal experts recommend consulting a local attorney to ensure that the quickie process will be considered legal and valid.

Divorce can be a financially and emotionally devastating process, with some cases dragging on for years before being settled. Even in cases where there are relatively few assets and no child custody issues, divorce commonly takes months or even years to finalize. A quickie divorce can alleviate financial obligations to lawyers as well as minimize the time between filing and finalization. Some quickie cases can be finalized in less than a month, allowing the newly divorced individuals to move on with life as quickly as possible.

Only certain areas have the necessary statutes needed to grant a quickie divorce. Reno and Las Vegas, both in Nevada, are famous quickie divorce capitals. Reno offers a residency requirement of only six weeks, meaning that at least one participant in the divorce must sign legal documents or provide proof that they have been in Nevada for six weeks prior to filing papers. As long as both parties sign the legal documents agreeing to all terms for the divorce, finalization can occur in days or weeks. Countries that provide quickie divorces also include the Dominican Republic, which requires a one-day residence before papers can be filed.

In the modern era, paperwork for a quickie divorce is typically handled through email or fax. Forms can often be filled out online, and signed electronically or faxed with a signature. Check forms carefully to see if notarization is required on any documents; if so, local phone books and Internet search engines can easily turn up local public notaries who will witness the signing for a fee.

There is an established history of quickie divorce scams, suggesting that extreme caution be taken when using a fast divorce service. Do research before sending in forms or handing over financial information; many legal experts recommend checking local statutes or having at least one consultation with a lawyer to prevent being exposed to fraud. Some regions may also have laws regarding the recognition of quickie divorces; checking local and regional laws can prevent having to file for divorce twice.

A quickie divorce can be a fast way out of a failing marriage, but does entail risks such as fraud. It is typically recommended for people with little or no property, assets, or investments to divide. Although some quickie divorce regions include child custody or spousal support clauses, penalties for violating these clauses may be harder to get enforced by a regular court.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseGeek. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Sporkasia — On Mar 09, 2014

I am a firm supporter of most things that eliminate or limit the need for lawyers, judges, clerks and legal fees. I find it ridiculous, that we have to involve lawyers in personal matters we can handle ourselves, except for the presence of legal system that needs to be fed.

Countries that offer quick uncomplicated divorce filing are doing a great service, as far as I am concerned.

By Drentel — On Mar 08, 2014

Quickie divorces make it too easy for couples to walk away from marriages. So what if you have to wait a year to get divorced? Maybe that waiting period will give people a reason to think harder and longer before they marry.

When children are involved I feel even more strongly that do-it- yourself divorces and quickie divorces should not be allowed.

By Animandel — On Mar 07, 2014

I have often heard negative comments about quick divorces. Some people are displeased that a couple would end a marriage so casually. However, a quick divorce doesn't mean that the decision to end the marriage was not given a lot of thought.

Sometimes, situations don't work out, and they should end because that's what's best for everyone involved. Count me in favor of the quickie divorce.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-quickie-divorce.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.