During divorce negotiations, it’s not uncommon for couples to decide they’d like to give their marriage another chance. But what if your divorce lawyer has already prepared the petition and sent it to the court? Are you obligated to go through with it, or can you still back out? The answer depends on whether the judge has already finalized their decision, and whether your partner agrees that your marriage can be saved. Below is a quick guide explaining both of these scenarios.

If Both Partners Agree

When both spouses agree to try and patch things up, then withdrawing the petition might be relatively straightforward. In fact, if an answer hasn’t been filed with the court, whoever submitted the document can simply file a motion asking for dismissal. However, if an answer has been sent, the two of you will probably have to sign a motion together.

If Spouses Don’t Agree

If one of you changes your mind but the other wants to proceed, the matter might be more complicated. Unless the spouse hasn’t answered the petition yet, dismissing the case requires a joint motion filed with the court. Without it, courts in most states will likely proceed with a divorce, even if one of you doesn’t want to. A divorce lawyer will identify your options and determine the best path forward.

After the Divorce Is Finalized

Once the judge signs the divorce decree, the marriage is officially and permanently dissolved. Even if both spouses change their minds later, the divorce can’t be withdrawn, although they’re free to remarry.

If you’re considering ending a marriage, turn to the divorce lawyers at Greene Law, PC; they offer quality guidance to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. With their in-depth expertise and wide range of legal services, they’ve helped clients throughout Farmington, CT, navigate a variety of family law services. For a free initial consultation with an accomplished divorce lawyer, visit their website or call (860) 676-1336, and follow their Facebook for more tips and advice