Uncontested Divorce: Child Custody, Spousal Support, And What to Expect
An uncontested divorce is considered the "easy" divorce because there is nothing to fight or "contest" that can't be resolved without court intervention. There may be no need to decide on child support, child custody, spousal support, or marital property to divide. Uncontested divorces are usually faster to process because the parties never see the inside of a courtroom.
When an outstanding child or spousal support and marital property exists, the spouses may agree to the terms of a separation agreement and go on their merry way. If the case proceeds to court, a court may grant an uncontested divorce if the defendant fails to appear in court. Here, the court may award everything to the plaintiff by default. If you’re considering a divorce, continue reading to learn more about the types of issues that must be settled in a divorce case and how an online therapist can help you navigate the process.
The ins and outs of an uncontested divorce
When it comes to divorce, four main issues must be settled:
- Custody
- Payment of child and spousal support (maintenance)
- Division of property and assets
- Division of debt
No divorce is considered truly "contested" because there are always disagreements. The difference is that these disagreements can be resolved outside of a courtroom and potentially without an attorney in an uncontested divorce.
In an uncontested divorce, the couple does not need to go through the stress of a trial to decide on the issues above. In fact, hostility is typically reduced, allowing cooler heads to prevail so that both parties can move on much faster than if they were to pursue the matter through litigation.
When a couple decides to divorce, they should first try to come to terms that they can both agree upon without needing to go to court. That way, even if they do need to go to court, the process can be streamlined because they've already come to an agreement on some of the issues on their own.
Some couples may decide that they need help to resolve their issues, but they may not necessarily hire an attorney. In these cases, the couple can opt for arbitration or go to a mediator, with or without an attorney present. This allows the couple to save both time and money by avoiding litigation and trial. However, they will still need to file divorce papers.
Filing pro se for an uncontested divorce
If the parties file for divorce pro se, this means that they have chosen not to be represented by an attorney. In this case, the parties would need to obtain the appropriate forms from the court that would have jurisdiction over the matter.
Upon completing these forms, the parties would then bring or mail them to court, along with the related fees. A judge would then be assigned to the case. After reviewing the paperwork, the judge would sign off on the divorce, provided nothing further was required from the parties.
When uncontested divorces become contested divorces
Unfortunately, many uncontested divorces turn into contested ones when one or both spouses decide to turn the divorce into a fight. Maybe one partner had decided not to move out of the marital home when they had initially agreed to let their ex-spouse keep the house. Maybe one partner originally decided that they wanted spousal support when they had previously waived their claim.
In this case, the parties would still be allowed to proceed pro se if they chose to do so, or they could opt to hire an attorney. In the case of a contested divorce, the parties would not consult the court for a packet of the divorce paperwork. Instead, the matter would be assigned to a judge and, from there, it would proceed to litigation.
When to hire an attorney
How do you know when it is time to involve a lawyer? It can be difficult to make the right decision when you’re simultaneously feeling a host of emotions, often in competition for one another. You may be reconciling the end of a marriage after a long fight to stay together, or you may feel scorned after discovering an infidelity. In such cases, when emotions are running high, it can be advantageous to hire an attorney. They can serve as a neutral party who can show you all your available options and potential consequences.
Examples of benefits an attorney may help you claim: pensions, spousal support, and others
For example, if you are entitled to half of your spouse's pension, and you are unaware of this when you file for divorce, you may not be able to go back for it once the papers have been signed.
There may be insurance benefits you may be entitled to that you are unaware of, and you may have to split the cost of certain debts that you don't realize are partially yours.
You may even have questions about whether you are entitled to sue for divorce on the grounds you are seeking. And, depending on where your spouse may be, if they are not living with you, it may also be difficult to serve your spouse with the summons and additional paperwork needed to start the proceedings.
Going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging
Parties involved in a contested divorce may choose to proceed pro se at first, then decide to hire an attorney later in the case if they feel the court is not adequately meeting their needs. Both parties may not hire the same attorney, as this would present a conflict of interest, and the attorney would be ordered by the court to pick a side or abandon the case altogether.
Some things may come up over the course of a contested divorce that you cannot possibly predict. Suppose one of the parties loses their job during the proceedings. What happens to maintenance or child support then? Suppose the marital residence succumbs to property damage, and one party no longer wants the house. As you can imagine, there are many situations – often out of the parties’ control – that can warrant transitioning a divorce from uncontested to contested.
The benefits of an uncontested divorce
Perhaps the most notable benefit of an uncontested divorce is the amount of money you can save by not having to hire an attorney. And even if you do need to hire an attorney to help with the paperwork, this is still significantly cheaper than needing someone to guide you through what is likely to be a years-long litigation process.
An uncontested divorce is designed so that the parties can get in and get out with as many “scars” as possible. In other words, couples are granted divorce more quickly, and there are fewer demands for information and fewer proceedings needed to resolve the couple's issues.
Contested divorces are made public, as too are their sordid details. In an uncontested divorce, less information is filed with the court, which is less information than in the public record.
The negatives of an uncontested divorce
Couples with more complicated situations may want to evaluate whether an uncontested divorce is the right move for them. The first issue is regarding children. Couples who have unemancipated children will undoubtedly experience a more complicated divorce than couples without kids. Issues like child support, visitation, medical insurance, and schooling choices must be decided and agreed upon.
Some states don't even allow couples with children to file for an uncontested divorce. In fact, couples with children are subjected to filing additional paperwork to ensure that the rights and needs of the children are adequately met.
Couples who disagree on spousal support or property arrangements may do better to seek legal advice and let their attorneys help them agree. Yes, hiring an attorney and going to court is a costly process, but it can be cheaper in the long run than the amount of money you could end up spending and losing when you are inexperienced in legal proceedings.
Settling a divorce before trial
Sometimes, a couple will go through litigation to the point of trial and then agree on the terms of the divorce before they make it to the trial. This is called a settlement. Perhaps before you decide to go on trial and ask yourself, “How much does a divorce cost," learn more about settlement first.
What's great about a settlement is that the parties do not have to worry about the other spouse filing an appeal because the court did not decide for them; they made it for themselves. This means that, for the most part, they have agreed.
If the parties settle, it is important to document it. Therefore, the next step is for a settlement agreement to be drafted, either by the pro se plaintiff or their attorney. The settlement agreement then works as a legally binding document, and its provisions can be enforced in the future by a court if one of the spouses fails to live up to that agreement.
Judges and lawyers are there for you if you need to pursue a matter to trial; however, most prefer to settle out of court in much the same way as if the couple were proceeding in an uncontested fashion. If the parties have difficulty agreeing by themselves, their lawyers will usually help them do so before the matter proceeds to trial.
Online therapy for divorced parents
In many cases, an online therapist can be an asset for a person going through a divorce. As previously mentioned, this time can be highly volatile, with emotions running high and both parties potentially reacting out of anger, jealousy, or guilt. Especially if you are the parent of children, you’ll want to do your best to proceed in a way that is level-headed, responsible, and human. It is important for your children to see that you have emotions but that you do not allow yourself to be consumed by them and that you have their best interest at heart.
An online therapist will not judge you for your perceived shortcomings or “failed” marriage. Rather, they want to meet you where you are and work with you to make the best choices for your goals and your children’s well-being, should you have children with your former spouse.
One of the great things about online therapy for divorce is that you aren’t required to commute to an in-person therapist’s office. You only need a secure internet connection to meet from your home or office – no need to miss out on your kids’ soccer games, family gatherings, or scoot out of work early (as you might need to in order to attend meetings with attorneys). Additionally, you can schedule sessions with your therapists at convenient times, such as when you know your kids won’t be home to hear sensitive information.
Online therapy has shown effectiveness in aiding people who are going through a divorce or considering the end of an intimate relationship. In a one-year longitudinal randomized control study, 1,856 Danish divorcees participated in an online intervention program, which started within a week of their divorces becoming legal. After a 12-month follow-up, researchers discovered that the online therapy intervention was effective in reducing adverse mental health-related effects of divorce, such as symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatization.
Takeaway
Going through the divorce process can be confusing, frustrating, and emotional. It is normal to feel a range of emotions and to even question your decision-making at times. When you have an impartial counselor on your side, you can learn more about divorce proceedings, explore your options, and have a safe space to process what you’re experiencing. Do you need to consult with a licensed professional before determining whether you should file for a contested or uncontested divorce? Reach out to one of our counselors today, and they can help you understand which option would be best for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What does uncontested mean in a divorce?
In a divorce case, an uncontested divorce essentially means the two parties agree about all the divorce issues. You have to consider everything while filing for divorce, including all issues about child care, alimony, division of property, and debt division. One might not consider a separation an official “divorce divorce” until all these issues are ironed out.
This is, of course, in contrast to a divorce contested divorce. Divorce, or legal separation, can be tricky with a lot to sort out, so there is nothing wrong with a contested divorce. An uncontested divorce is generally cheaper and quicker. Agreeing to get this divorce uncontested divorce is usually a good goal. While the vocabulary can be confusing, an uncontested divorce is still officially a divorce.
To have a successful uncontested divorce, you must be on the same page as your partner. Divorce mediation is sometimes helpful as a middle ground, where you can still go as an uncontested divorce but still get some professional help in ensuring the divorce is finalized.
Do uncontested divorces go to court?
Maybe on TV, you have seen a courtroom holding a trial for a divorce. An uncontested divorce, however, does not typically go to court like a normal divorce. Divorces contested will be held in court with attorneys, more appropriate for the stereotypical TV drama of a divorce. An uncontested divorce or legal separation is finalized when the couple files the required court forms. Instead of appearing in a trial, the couple submits paperwork that explains how the divorce case will be settled, and then the divorce is finalized.
The divorce petition is sometimes tricky but should be manageable as both partners agree to an uncontested divorce. A divorce or legal separation can be a time-consuming process, and many people will look for any option making it easier and quicker to complete your divorce.
This applies to legal separations and more permanent-seeming divorces. However, an uncontested divorce is possibly the best way to mitigate any long-term problems. During a divorce, uncontested divorce often means less petty squabbling to reach the common goal of a mutually beneficial and efficient separation.
Should I get a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
Please consult a legal professional if you are in any doubt about the necessity of a lawyer in your specific divorce.
It depends. While an uncontested divorce may appear easy, it is not just a casual agreement; it is still a divorce. If your divorce case is simple and straightforward (i.e., no children, no debt, limited resources to divide, and an amicable divorce), you may not necessarily need a lawyer to settle the divorce papers. But it still may be a good idea to get an attorney. Divorce is a complex legal process that most laypeople don’t fully understand, even if it’s a divorce uncontested divorce.
Attorneys will be experts in the law and could help you in unforeseen ways, such as explaining any alternatives to divorce. Divorce or legal separation may seem like the only option, but seeking professional guidance could change that. Alternatives to divorce could include collaborative divorce or divorce mediation. Collaborative divorce is when each party hires an attorney and works out the divorce details outside of court.
How much does an uncontested divorce cost?
The cost of an uncontested divorce will be different for everybody, but usually, it will be cheaper than a contested divorce. An uncontested divorce requires far fewer people and professionals, so it is likely cheaper than the sheer workforce.
Divorce papers can cost a lot of money, and there are also filing fees, so even the cheapest possible outcome could run upwards of $500. This number goes up if you hire an attorney (which you probably need) and can go up more if the case goes to court. An uncontested case is almost always cheaper than a contested divorce. Any official divorce will generally cost a fair amount of money for one or both people.
If you end up going with one of the alternatives to divorce, you may end up paying a different amount.
Can you get a divorce if your spouse won't sign?
You can often get a divorce or legal separation even if your spouse doesn’t sign. Particularly in locations with no-fault divorce laws, the divorce petition is not void even if the spouse doesn’t sign. If this is the case for you, an uncontested divorce may not be an option. You should ask a licensed legal professional for advice on your specific divorce or legal separation.
How much does a divorce cost if both parties agree?
If both parties agree on an uncontested divorce, it will generally be a cheaper process. Any kind of official divorce is likely to cost at least some money. Various alternatives to divorce may be more expensive than others, but they can generally be cheaper than going to court. The highest cost could be the divorce petition. Divorce expenses associated with divorce, including filing fees or attorneys.
In the end, an uncontested case can cost as low as $500, depending on location and details, but could rise significantly in price despite your best efforts. It might also be thousands of dollars if you go to court, although it could help to use one of the alternatives to divorce. An uncontested divorce will likely be cheaper and possibly easier, but it all depends on the specific situation. Talk with your partner if you can and try to find a way to make the divorce process as easy and cheap as possible for everyone.
Additional questions
How does an uncontested divorce handle child custody?
In an uncontested divorce, child custody is handled by both parents coming to an agreement together. You decide on what works best for both of you and, most importantly, what's best for your child. This could mean equal custody or one parent having primary custody, with the other getting visitation rights. Once you agree on these details, you submit it to the court. The judge just wants to make sure it's fair and in your child's best interest before finalizing things. The beauty of an uncontested divorce is that you and your partner make the choices for your family, rather than a judge stepping in to decide for you.
Is a lawyer necessary for child custody arrangements in uncontested divorces?
A lawyer isn't always necessary if both parents are on the same page about child custody. However, having one can help make sure your custody agreement is legally sound and fair for everyone involved. A lawyer can provide guidance, help iron out any details you might overlook, and make sure the paperwork is done properly. This way, you avoid misunderstandings down the road. It's especially helpful if there are complexities that you're unsure about handling alone.
Can child support be included in an uncontested divorce?
Child support can definitely be part of an uncontested divorce, and it's crucial if you have kids. Both parents need to decide on a fair amount—who pays, how often, and how long. Once you've worked that out, it goes into the agreement you submit to the court. The court's role here is to ensure the child support arrangement follows state guidelines and serves the child's needs. The benefit of including child support in an uncontested divorce is that everyone's on the same page financially, which helps make the process smoother and more straightforward.
How do uncontested divorces handle child custody when both parents agree?
If both parents agree on child custody, uncontested divorces can go smoothly. You decide on things like who gets legal and physical custody, what the visitation schedule looks like, and how you'll make major decisions for your child. Then, this plan is included in your divorce paperwork. The court just wants to make sure the arrangement is fair and in the child's best interest. The great part about doing this through an uncontested divorce is that you and your partner are in control, creating a plan that fits your family without the stress of a courtroom battle.
What role does spousal support play in an uncontested divorce?
Spousal support, or alimony, is another aspect of an uncontested divorce that requires agreement. It's meant to make sure one partner isn't left struggling financially after the divorce—especially if one spouse was dependent on the other. You'll need to agree on how much will be paid, for how long, and whether it will be in one lump sum or regular payments. Once you settle these terms, they're included in the divorce paperwork for the court's approval. The court's job is to check that it's fair to both parties. One of the perks of handling spousal support in an uncontested divorce is that you get to make these decisions together rather than having a judge do it for you.
Do I need a lawyer to negotiate spousal support in an uncontested divorce?
You don't always need a lawyer to negotiate spousal support in an uncontested divorce, especially if you and your partner agree on the basics. But it can help a lot. Lawyers can explain your rights, make sure you're getting a fair deal, and help you avoid agreeing to something that could hurt you down the road. They can also help you understand the tax implications or any complicated financial details. While it's not required, a lawyer can offer peace of mind and ensure everything is legally sound.
How are child support and spousal support decided in uncontested divorces?
Child support and spousal support in an uncontested divorce are all about mutual agreement. When it comes to child support, you and your partner look at your incomes, the needs of your child, and any state guidelines to decide on an amount that's fair. For spousal support, you consider whether it's needed and, if so, how much, how it'll be paid, and how long it will last. Things like income, financial needs, and the length of your marriage often factor into these decisions. Once you agree, you include these terms in your divorce paperwork, which the court reviews to make sure it's fair. This way, the process stays as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Can you file for an uncontested divorce if there are disagreements about child custody?
If you can't agree on child custody, you can't file for an uncontested divorce. For it to be uncontested, both partners need to agree on all major issues, including custody, support, and the division of assets. If you can't agree on any of these, the divorce will be considered contested, which means you'll need to go to court, and a judge will step in to make those decisions. In these situations, it's often helpful to work with a mediator or legal professional to try to reach an agreement before moving forward. If that's not possible, the judge will decide on custody based on what they think is best for your child.
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