What To Do if Your Ex is Stalling the Divorce Filing

Divorce is never easy, but it becomes even more complicated and emotionally draining when one spouse deliberately stalls the process. Whether it’s due to lingering emotions, financial motivations or attempts to control the situation, a delayed divorce can impose significant stress on you and your family. At Sabuco Beck, P.C., we understand these challenges and are here to provide the legal guidance you need to overcome them. Below, we outline common stalling tactics and explain how an experienced attorney can help streamline your divorce process.

Common Divorce Stalling Tactics

It’s not uncommon for a spouse to engage in stall tactics during a divorce. Some of the most frequent behaviors include:

• Ignoring or Delaying Response: Failing to respond to court documents or filings.
• Attorney-Jumping: Repeatedly switching lawyers to slow down proceedings.
• Canceling Appointments: Frequently missing or rescheduling appointments.
• Filing Unnecessary Motions: Submitting irrelevant or frivolous legal motions.
• False Claims or Accusations: Using false allegations to shift the focus of the case.
• Ignoring Communication Efforts: Failing to respond to emails, calls or communication from legal teams.
• Requesting Repeated Extensions in Court: Buying more time through delays in deadlines.

These tactics may feel frustrating, but they’re often rooted in deeper reasons, such as resistance to the marriage ending, attempts to control asset division or disagreements over custody and support.

Practical Steps to Handle Stalling

Dealing with a stalling spouse requires a combination of patience, communication and strong legal action. Here are some approaches to consider:

1. Document Everything

Maintain a detailed record of communications, missed appointments and any other stalling behaviors. This documentation will provide critical evidence if legal intervention becomes necessary.

2. Consider Mediation

Sometimes, addressing issues directly can resolve delays. If you feel safe, consider a calm and respectful conversation to discuss your concerns and outline the importance of moving forward amicably. However, this isn’t always possible, and you may need an outside party’s assistance. Mediation can help both parties resolve disagreements outside the courtroom. A skilled mediator can facilitate productive discussions, reducing opportunities for stalling and encouraging cooperation.

3. Engage a Court Response

If stalling persists, a hearing may be scheduled to present evidence to the judge. Judges have the authority to issue orders against unnecessary delays, enforce compliance and in some cases, penalize the stalling spouse by awarding attorney fees or requiring timely support payments. If your ex fails to respond to initial divorce documents, you may even be able to pursue a default judgment ruling.

How Sabuco Beck, P.C. Can Help

Navigating a stalled divorce requires experienced legal advocacy. At Sabuco Beck, P.C., our family law attorneys are highly skilled at identifying stalling behaviors early and implementing strategies to counteract them. We gather evidence, demonstrate your spouse’s lack of cooperation to the court and fight to protect your rights while securing a fair and timely resolution. Our team prioritizes open communication and works to minimize conflict wherever possible, helping to keep the process amicable without compromising your best interests.

Seek an Amicable Resolution With Our Divorce Attorneys

A stalled divorce can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Sabuco Beck, P.C., we are committed to helping you overcome obstacles and move forward into the next chapter of your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys. We will help you keep your case on track.