There are a lot of issues to consider before you and your spouse begin divorce proceedings. While we often associate divorce with fighting and conflict, not every divorce is the same. Many people simply want to end their marriages and move on, with as little emotional and financial stress as possible. This is when the subject of an uncontested divorce will often be brought up. But the question you may have is what an uncontested divorce actually involves. Does it equal giving up? Does it mean that you don’t need a divorce lawyer? Let’s find out.
How Does an Uncontested Divorce Work?
Before considering an uncontested divorce, you’ll first want to consider why you and your partner are divorcing in the first place. An estimated 19.2% of all divorcing couples indicated that they were doing so because of incompatibility, while 10.6% indicated that they were divorcing due to substance abuse. In these cases, you may or may not be able to reach an uncontested divorce. This is because an uncontested divorce is a divorce in which both parties have resolved all of their marital issues before divorcing.
But if you’ve resolved your marital issues with your spouse, why are you still divorcing? When we discuss marital issues, we refer to issues pertaining to the divorce itself. This would include child custody, parenting time, alimony, division of property, and child support. A lot of divorcing couples are able to reach an agreement about these issues without going to court.
What Are the Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce?
There are so many benefits to going through an uncontested divorce rather than going to court. An uncontested divorce is typically much faster, as you don’t have to wait for court dates. Additionally, it will be much cheaper to get an uncontested divorce compared to a contested divorce because you won’t have to pay for as many legal fees, though you may still want to work with a mediator when going through an uncontested divorce.
Do I Still Need a Lawyer When Going Through an Uncontested Divorce?
Yes, you still need to work with a lawyer when going through an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce lawyer will help represent you legally and ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of. Furthermore, they can ensure that the process is much simpler and smoother.