Hello all,

I posted recently with questions about filing a waiver. I still have one problem that I am wondering if anyone has any info on. My GC expires on 9/1/2007. I am about to start the divorce process. There should not be any problems with the divorce (no children, very few assetts/belongings). So I am wondering, how long does it usually take to receive a divorce decree? I need to receive it before September so I can file for a 10yr GC. What are your experiences with obtaining a divorce decree? Is it possible to do it within 5 months?

I am really concerned that it will take too long to get the decree. I don't want to leave the country because of the life I have built here. Any information would be great.

PS. I can't afford a lawyer.

Depends on the state you're in. Most have a 'cooling off period' from when it is filed, to when it can begin to be adjudicated - it was 90 days in Arizona.

Even if no attorneys, no disputes etc..it can take a while - Sept would be pushing it and may be impossible depending on your state.

I am in RI. I have been researching the laws for this state but I can't find out if the same 90-day cooling off period applies. I assume it does.

There's one member here who had to wait to file for removal of conditions while her divorce was being finalized. She got her GC renewal without a problem even though she finally filed her removal after her GC had expired. I'll try to look for her post so that you can send her an IM and ask her what she did during that period wherein her conditional GC had expired and her divorce was still in process.

Google is your friend.

http://www.standardlegal.com/STATE_DIVORCE_CHART.html

No waiting period mentioned for RI.

Found her. Name is mooninlove.

She filed her I-751 6 months after her GC expired.

Thankyou all so much!

As far as I can tell, RI does not have a cooling off period (or maybe just a much shorter one). This should make it a little easier.

I could probably get away with filing late... it's probably technically illegal but there isn't much they can do anyway. I will contact mooninlove.

Sooo maybe its not so impossible after all... we'll see.

It's not. But working without authorisation would be, and if your conditional GC expires prior to filing the I-751 waiver, then you'd need to bear that in mind.

RI doesn't have a "cooling off" period, however the court dockets are usually very stacked up. I have a friend who filed in RI and had to wait almost 9 months just for a hearing.