You and your spouse have agreed to part ways respectfully. There’s no drama, no major disputes—just a mutual decision to move forward separately. So why is your “simple” divorce taking months to finalize?
Recently, I met with a potential new client who had been working with a well-known family law firm in Columbia for over six months. Despite having an amicable case, all they had to show for that time was an unfinished draft Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA).
Unfortunately, this situation isn’t unusual. Many couples start their divorce journey with traditional litigation attorneys, only to find their cooperative case continually delayed. The reason? Litigation-focused firms often put amicable divorces on the back burner.
The Problem with Litigation-Focused Family Law Firms
Traditional family law firms are built around litigation—court hearings, discovery deadlines, and contested cases. Attorneys in those firms often prioritize urgent, conflict-driven matters that require immediate court filings and appearances.
Amicable cases, on the other hand, don’t have deadlines. There’s no trial date or judge demanding progress. So while you and your spouse might be ready to move forward, your case can end up sitting idle—sometimes for months.
What could have been a straightforward process turns into a frustrating waiting game.
How Delays Can Derail Even the Most Amicable Divorce
A stalled divorce doesn’t just waste time—it can create unnecessary tension between spouses who were once on good terms.
Here’s what often happens when an amicable divorce is left to linger:
-
Communication breaks down. What started as cooperation becomes irritation and mistrust.
-
Costs increase. More time means more billable hours and higher legal fees.
-
Stress builds. You can’t move forward emotionally or financially until the divorce is finalized.
What should be a simple process turns complicated—not because of conflict, but because of inattention.
Why a Mediation or Collaborative Attorney Is a Better Fit
At Jacobson Family Law, we do things differently. We focus exclusively on amicable divorce solutions—through divorce mediation and collaborative divorce—not courtroom battles.
Here’s why that matters:
1. Your Case Is Our Priority
Because we don’t handle high-conflict litigation, our time and energy go directly to helping clients who want a peaceful, efficient resolution. We keep your case moving forward—without unnecessary delays.
2. You Stay in Control
In mediation or collaborative divorce, you and your spouse make the decisions—not a judge. We guide the process to keep it focused, respectful, and productive.
3. Clear Timelines and Transparent Communication
We establish structured timelines and communicate every step, so you always know what to expect. You won’t have to wonder when your agreement will be ready or what’s holding it up.
4. Lower Costs, Less Stress
By avoiding court, you avoid months of waiting and thousands of dollars in unnecessary legal fees. Our clients often finalize their divorces in weeks, not months.
Real Example: Six Months vs. Six Weeks
That client who came to us after six months with an unfinished draft? Once they switched to Jacobson Family Law, we helped them finalize their MSA within six weeks through mediation.
No courtroom drama. No missed deadlines. No waiting on a busy litigation attorney to find time for their “simple” case.
The Hidden Cost of Hiring a Litigator for an Amicable Divorce
Even the most well-known family law firms can unintentionally stall your divorce if their focus is on litigation. Their structure, priorities, and billing models simply aren’t designed for efficient, out-of-court resolutions.
If your goal is a cooperative, cost-effective divorce, hiring a litigator may end up working against you.
Instead, choose a firm that specializes in helping couples like you—those who want to move forward peacefully and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
If your divorce is amicable, you don’t need a litigator—you need a problem-solver. At Jacobson Family Law, we help clients avoid unnecessary conflict, keep control of their timeline, and finalize their divorce with clarity and confidence.
📞 Contact us today at 443-741-1147 or Schedule a Consultation to learn how mediation or collaborative divorce can work for you.
📘 Download our free Step-by-Step Guide to Divorce Mediation!
