What happens if one person wants a divorce and one doesn t?
Asked by: Prof. Paige Johns | Last update: September 15, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (34 votes)
A claim of “irreconcilable differences” by either party is enough for a court to agree to end the marriage. In short, if one person wants out of a marriage, he is legally able to do so, whether the other person agrees or not.
What happens if one person wants a divorce and the other doesn't?
The best option for you will depend on your specific circumstances. If you are able to negotiate with your spouse and come to an agreement, that is often the best option. However, if you are unable to reach an agreement, you may need to file a motion for default judgment or hire a local attorney to help you.
What happens if one partner doesn't want to divorce?
Even if you know your spouse doesn't want a divorce, you still have to give them the legally required time to respond to the divorce papers. This time is usually 20 to 30 days. If they don't respond or they respond saying they refuse to participate, your next step is the same either way. File for a default divorce.
How long does a divorce take if one party doesn't agree?
According to a 2019 survey conducted by Martindale-Nolo Research, contested divorces take at least 18 months to finalize in California.
What if my spouse wants a divorce and I don't?
You may try to save the marriage through marriage counseling, by pleading with your partner, or by putting your focus on the marriage rather than on yourself. Sometimes, marriage counseling is a good option for saving a relationship.
If one person wants a divorce, but the other doesn't, what do you do? @Goodmenproject @AllanaPratt
What is a silent divorce?
What is Silent Divorce? In a silent divorce, the couple is legally married, but they have lost the emotional bond they once had. Although they live together and appear to have a regular marriage, they live separate lives. The couple typically lives in the same house but has limited to no interaction.
What is the walk away wife syndrome?
“Walkaway wife syndrome emerges whenever a wife who is emotionally detached and unhappy abruptly breaks off her marriage,” says Holly J. Moore of Moore Family Law Group. “It may seem abrupt to the [partner] but women generally think about divorce for several years before actually leaving.
Can I divorce my husband even if he doesn't agree?
The end of a marriage can be extremely difficult, and it can be made even worse if your partner doesn't want a divorce. However, the good news is that you can still apply for a divorce even if your partner doesn't agree with you thanks to the no-fault divorce law.
What happens if a spouse refuses to be served divorce papers?
What is a Default Divorce in California? If due diligence fails and the spouse successfully avoids the attempts to serve the papers, the process moves into a default divorce process.
Who files for divorce more?
Wives are the ones who most often file for divorce at 66 percent on average. That figure has soared to nearly 75 percent in some years.
Can a judge refuse to grant a divorce?
A judge can deny a divorce and force marriage counseling in certain circumstances. In most states, a divorce can be granted by a court if the marriage is irretrievably broken. However, some states allow judges to deny a divorce and require couples to attend marriage counseling instead.
What if my husband refuses to accept divorce?
File a Petition for Divorce
You can still move forward with the divorce by filing a petition for divorce, even if your spouse refuses to sign. The court will serve your spouse with the petition, and they will have a certain amount of time to respond.
What happens when you don't show up to the divorce court?
If you and your spouse have a scheduled date in divorce court, both of you must attend. If you don't, you risk the court dismissing the divorce petition. If this occurs, you will have to refile your petition for divorce and pay fees once again. However, the judge may not automatically dismiss your case.
Who suffers most in divorce financially?
Generally, women suffer more financially than do men from divorce.
What happens if only one person agrees to a divorce?
Bennett, a family law attorney in Woodland Hills, CA for over 30 years. “The courts will grant your divorce whether or not your spouse wants out of the marriage, since marriage can only exist if both parties consent to it.” A divorce may still be finalized if one spouse refuses to sign the acceptance of service.
How can I afford to live on my own after divorce?
- Expect your income to drop after the divorce is final. ...
- Consider whether you can afford to keep the house. ...
- Know what you have. ...
- Consider the after-tax values of your assets. ...
- Understand your financial needs. ...
- Don't overlook the value of a future pension. ...
- Hire a good team.
Can I get a divorce without my spouse knowing?
If you need to divorce your spouse but don't know where they are, you may feel frustrated and hopeless. However, you can still divorce your spouse in California, even if they don't respond to the divorce notice.
How long does a divorce take in CA if one party doesn't agree?
Every divorce case in California will take at least six months, but court proceedings can lengthen the process by several months. If you want to keep the process running as smoothly as possible, hire an Orange County divorce attorney to guide you through it.
What happens if one spouse doesn't want a divorce?
If your spouse won't engage in your divorce, then your only option for ending your marriage will have to be to go to court. Mediation will be a waste of time because your spouse won't participate. Collaborative divorce won't work. You will have to litigate your divorce.
Who loses more in a divorce?
Despite their best efforts to arrive at an equitable agreement, financial disparities between spouses after divorce are a reality for some couples. There is a good body of research on the subject that shows women bear the heaviest financial burden when a couple divorces.
Can I refuse to divorce my spouse?
In California, only one spouse needs to request the divorce to start the process, meaning your refusal to sign or participate won't prevent it. However, it may complicate the proceedings, leading to a default judgment, where the court can grant the divorce without your input.
What do I do if my husband wants a divorce but I don t?
The best thing you can do is to stay calm and not push your spouse further away. That means no begging or pleading that you'll do anything to keep the marriage together. No stalking or threatening to keep the kids from your spouse. No bad-mouthing to friends, family or especially your children.
What is the lonely wife syndrome?
Walkaway wife syndrome describes a pattern where wives become deeply dissatisfied and disconnected in their marriages over time.
How do I know it's time to leave my marriage?
When one or both partners stop using manners, speak with a tone that speaks volumes or use intimidating body language, it can be a sign that the marriage is over. The same is true for couples who are no longer able to negotiate and compromise on critical parts of their relationship.
What is husband abandonment?
The generally accepted definition of spousal abandonment is the act of intentionally leaving the family home without the consent of the other spouse and with the intent to end the marriage. California criminal law refers to spousal abandonment, because this act can be penalized as a misdemeanor.