Breaking Down the Uncontested Divorce Process
Do you want to get divorced but don’t want to spend weeks or months engaged in an emotional battle? If so, an uncontested divorce might be the perfect solution for you. This process allows couples to divorce without fighting over custody and property division issues, which means that it can be done much more quickly than a contested divorce. Uncontested divorces are also less expensive, making them financially viable for many couples who would otherwise not have been able to afford the higher cost of a contested divorce.
What Is An Uncontested Divorce?
A contested divorce is one where the parties are unable to agree on items such as property division and child custody and have to use the court system to resolve these issues. An uncontested divorce is where the parties are able to agree the major issues so that they can work out the divorce terms outside of court. It is a good option that allows you to work through the process faster and without as much stress or emotion.
Stages Of An Uncontested Divorce
There are several stages to go through if you want to file for an uncontested divorce. The first step is to prepare and consider if an uncontested divorce is right for you. This involves organizing your thoughts and working through your finances to see if you are able to agree the major financial issues. It would also involve working out agreements on custody, parenting time matters, and other child related matters. You can download our free guide to help you work through these matters.
The second step is to draft the divorce petition and accompanying paperwork and then file those documents with the Court. After those documents are filed, you then, in the third step, work on drafting the settlement agreement that will resolve all of the issues in the divorce - valuation of assets, custody of children, maintenance (spousal support), division of property and debt.
The last step is to then file the settlement agreement with the Court s that it can be approved by the judge. The parties have to wait sixty (60) days from the date of filing the divorce before they can file the final settlement agreement.
How To Get Started
If you are considering an uncontested divorce, the first thing to do is to start working through your finances and working out the terms of the property settlement. If you have children you can also start to work out what a custody and parenting plan can look like. If you need help, you can download our free guide that will help you work through these issues.
Potential Cost Savings In An Uncontested Divorce
The most obvious cost savings in an uncontested divorce are those that come directly from a reduction in attorney's fees. The reason for such cost reductions is obvious: if there is no conflict over property or child custody, there will be no need for expensive trial work, depositions, and mediations. Without these things, the process is streamlined and more predicable.