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The terms quick divorce and quickie divorce often arouse ire in legal professionals. Their anger is fuelled by news reports that are spun in such a way that it would appear that high profile celebrities and other privileged members of society are able to obtain a divorce in mere seconds.

In response, family lawyers point out the inaccuracy of such reports and draw attention to the fact that an uncontested divorce is, irrespective of an individual’s circumstances or wealth, unlikely to be finalised in less than 12 weeks whilst a contested divorce can take far longer. There is, they claim, no such thing as a quick divorce. Whilst media representations may paint an inaccurate picture of the length of time it can take to process a divorce, though, is it really fair to claim that the quick divorce is little more than a myth?

In order to discuss this effectively, the phrase ‘quick’ really needs to be placed in context. In some circumstances, the word ‘quick’ is redundant as it is accepted that what is being discussed or considered is certain to meet the criteria required to be considered fast or swift, such as an expensive sports car. In other instances, however, it is necessary to place a matter in perspective.

It is not appropriate to describe all people as quick, for example, but if an individual can meet a specific criteria – such as being able to run a certain distance within a predetermined time – then it is appropriate to refer to them as expedient. So, if we know that it will take at least three months for a divorce to be finalised, then it is also reasonable to claim that any divorce which is finalised within three months – or a similar timeframe – could indeed be referred to as a quick divorce.

Neither the quick divorce or the quickie divorce are myths, they are accurate phrases that have been sensationalised. Yes, it may take at least 12 weeks for a divorce to be finalised but this, when placed in context, is indeed quick.