If you start having second thoughts after filing divorce paperwork, you may be able to stop the process and remain married to your spouse. Continue reading to learn more about the circumstances required to halt the process and work with an experienced Shelby County, Tennessee divorce lawyer during your case.
Can I Stop My Divorce After Filing the Paperwork?
Depending on the circumstances, yes, you can stop the divorce process even after you file the paperwork. As long as both you and your spouse agree that you want to remain married and the divorce is still in progress (as in, has not been finalized yet) then you can halt the process.
You can either pause or dismiss the case depending on what you and your spouse agree on. Couples may want the case dismissed if they have decided that they want to stay together, but they can also postpone the divorce if they are unsure and want more time to consider.
How Can I Stop the Divorce Process?
If you change your mind about the divorce and your situation meets the requirements, you can put a stop to the process through help from a skilled attorney. With the help of an experienced family lawyer, you and your spouse can jointly file a petition with the court to pause or terminate the divorce.
If you and your spouse are considering reconciling but aren’t 100% sure yet, you can submit an order of reconciliation to the court. This is a written stipulation stating that you and your spouse want to attempt to reconcile and the divorce proceedings should be suspended during this time. This is a popular choice for couples who are considering getting back together as a suspension of the proceedings still allows them to pick back up where they left off if they decide to go through with the divorce in the end.
If you are positive that you want to remain married then you can request that the case be disregarded. To end the divorce altogether, file a Motion to Dismiss the case. The document must be written and signed by both spouses and include the reason for the dismissal. By requesting that the case be dismissed, you will have to start over from the beginning if you decide to get divorced later on.
What if the Divorce Decree Has Been Finalized?
Besides your spouse being on board with the dismissal, you can only change your mind about your divorce if the final decree has not yet been issued. If the judge signed off on the Final Order of Divorce, there is no going back. The document is legally binding and cannot be changed even if you decide you want to remain together. Instead, you and your former spouse can get remarried.
Reach out to a knowledgeable attorney at Rice Law to discuss your situation and obtain representation during your case.
