When your final hearing is scheduled, the end of your divorce is finally in sight. Whether your divorce has been a complicated one or a straightforward one, you will likely find that this hearing, which concludes the divorce proceedings, takes a huge weight off of your shoulders. After the final hearing, you can finally put the past behind you and open the door to your future. Read on to find out what you can expect during this last step of the divorce process. 

Who will be there?

The following people will be in attendance at the final hearing:

  • You 
  • Your attorney
  • Your spouse
  • Your witnesses
  • Your spouse’s attorney
  • Your spouse’s witnesses
  • The judge

What will happen?

By the time you reach your final hearing in an uncontested divorce, you will have reached a settlement agreement with your spouse regarding child custody, division of assets, alimony, and child support. The final hearing will serve as a last time to go over all of the details and make your agreement official and legally binding.

If you could not reach an agreement, you will present your case to the judge to decide all of these matters on a contested basis. The final hearing will serve as your last opportunity to discuss all of the issues surrounding your divorce. 

In either instance, the marriage and the parties’ separation will be established first. Lawyers will ask their clients to say basic information aloud by asking questions including, “Were you married to [name] on [date] at [location]?” and “Did general indignities occur rendering your condition intolerable?”

Next, the judge will ask one of the attorneys to summarize the separation agreement, if one exists. The judge must ensure that it is fair and reasonable. If the judge made a decision in a contested divorce in court, there is no doubt that he or she will find the arrangement reasonable and fair. If your divorce is uncontested and you and your spouse came to an agreement outside of court, the agreement will typically be found fair and reasonable unless there is an obvious defect.

Finally, the judge will ask you and your spouse some questions to ensure that you understand the agreement and that you are signing it willingly. The final hearing concludes when the judge states that he is granting the divorce.

From the day you decide to get a divorce through your final hearing and beyond, the OMG Law Firm team is here for you. Our strong track record in family law gives you the reassurance you need that your case will be handled professionally and with compassion. To get started, give us a call at (870) 330-7324.