Legal Professionals of Hirsch & Ehlenberger

What’s a bifurcated divorce (and why get one)?

On Behalf of | Nov 9, 2021 | Divorce

You fell in love, you got married — and then you fell out of love. You and your spouse just weren’t as compatible as you once believed. You’re more than ready to move on, and you’ve even found a new romantic interest.

Unfortunately, your spouse is quibbling over every tiny detail with the divorce. Whether it’s dividing the kitchen items or agreeing to pick-up and drop-off procedures with the kids, your spouse seems determined to drag out the divorce process as long as possible.

A bifurcated divorce can help you move on

Bifurcated divorces have been around for a long time, but most people had never heard of them — until recently. Hollywood giants Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt negotiated a bifurcated divorce back in 2019, which made the general public more aware of this option.

Essentially, a bifurcated divorce can allow you to become legally single again — even though you haven’t finished all of your negotiations with your ex over child custody, support or the division of the marital assets.

Bifurcation can be sought by either spouse, but it’s typically pushed when one wants to be free to date — or even remarry — without obstacles. Sometimes, it’s used just to stop one party from using the divorce as an emotional battering ram against the other. Other times, it’s done for practical purposes — like when a couple may not be able to end their financial entanglements for some time because it involves the sale of real property or a business.

With divorce, there are often many options you may not realize you have. Learning more about the process can help you make better plans for your future.

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