Many people have opposing political ideologies due to a variety of factors, including how they were raised and where they were born. In a marriage, you are closer to your spouse than you are with other people, and it is likely political viewpoints are going to come up at some point. If you and your spouse have differing political viewpoints, it can play a role in the marriage moving forward, but that does not mean it is necessary to divorce because of the differences, even during these hyper-partisan times.

Marriage Statistics

One 2016 study interviewed just over 18 million married couples in the United States and found 55 percent of couples were Democrats or Republicans only. Independents married to one another made up 15 percent of those interviewed, which left 30 percent as mismatched partisan pairs, meaning two people with different ideologies who married.

If divorce is something you are considering, or you are in the middle of a divorce case, one of your primary questions may be, “How long does it take to get divorced?”

Going through divorce increases stress and emotions, so it makes sense that you want to finish the process as soon as possible. It does not have to take years, but a quick divorce depends upon multiple elements coming together at once. 

Every time you appear in court, you are being analyzed. The judge will observe you to determine whether or not you should be taken seriously and if your arguments are valid. If you appear to be disrespectful and ignorant of courtroom rules and conduct, you might not be taken as seriously as you want to be. This can make a big difference in divorce cases, because those who are not taken seriously by the judge are less likely to receive a judgment that is in their favor. Understanding what is expected of you when you go to court to litigate your divorce is crucial to a successful outcome. Here are some tips for following proper etiquette when in divorce court:

1. Dress Appropriately

You want the judge to focus on your legal case, not your appearance, so it is important that you dress appropriately and respectfully when you go to court. The basic rule of thumb is to dress as if you were going to work in an office. Business casual attire means skirts or dress pants, blouses, button-down shirts, slacks, khakis, and nice shoes. You should not wear T-shirts, jeans, sneakers, dirty clothing, or clothing with holes in it. 

The process of ending a marriage through divorce can be very stressful. In addition to the strong emotions that come with the breakup of a relationship, there are a number of legal requirements that must be met as you work to complete the divorce process. Appearing in court can be especially anxiety-inducing, since you will likely be unsure of what to expect. However, by following these tips, you will be able to successfully accomplish your goals in your divorce proceedings:

1. Hire an attorney - While you can represent yourself in your divorce, it is not advisable to do so. An experienced attorney can not only help you understand your rights and obligations, but he or she can also offer invaluable insight about the best ways to make arguments, the procedures and etiquette to follow, and what is likely to encourage the judge to rule in your favor.

2. Be prepared - Be sure you have the required paperwork, financial documents, and any other appropriate evidence ready ahead of time. Talk to your lawyer about what will be discussed at your appearance, the issues you will be asking the judge to decide, and the arguments you will be making. Practice making prepared statements and be ready for questions that you might be asked. By being ready for every eventuality, you will not be taken by surprise by any developments, and you will be able to make a strong argument for why the judge should make a decision in your favor.

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In the twenty-first century, we are more connected than ever. Most people carry smartphones with them everywhere they go, giving them instant access to any information they want to look up and making it incredibly easy to connect with friends. But while this level of access provides many benefits, it also has its drawbacks.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat are a major part of many people’s lives, allowing them to share their thoughts and experiences with others. Unfortunately, when you are going through a divorce, the information you share may end up being used against you.

Consider the following tips for how to make sure your social media activity does not have a negative impact on your divorce proceedings: