What Is Uncontested Divorce Mean

Differences Between Contested And Uncontested Divorce

One of the biggest differences between contested and uncontested divorces is the time it takes to become finalized. Uncontested divorces will usually go through relatively quickly. However, quick in divorce terms may still be a long time, depending on your state and courthouse. Also, an uncontested divorce does not require a trial, discovery, or other time consuming legal procedures. That means that legal fees will be much less expensive in an uncontested divorce than a contested divorce.

Uncontested divorces are not appealable, but certain agreements may be modifiable.

Another difference between contested and uncontested divorces is the extent to which the outcomes are appealable. Since in an uncontested divorce the parties both consent to the arrangement, the terms of the divorce are not appealable. However, that does not mean that the parties are stuck with the agreement forever. If circumstances change significantly and/or a specific period of time has passed, depending on your state you may be able to modify the agreement. However, since the parties are making the decisions themselves, they are more likely to be happy with the outcome of the proceedings.

Last reviewed October 2022

Uncontested Divorce In Florida

Lawyers often charge a flat, set fee for an uncontested divorce Florida because they know roughly how much time they will have to put into the matter.

Note that there are exceptions, but property acquired by either party during the marriage, regardless of whose name it’s in, is split “50-50” in an uncontested divorce in Florida. Assets owned by one party before the marriage are not divided between the parties upon divorce unless they were titled in both parties names.

Requirements For An Uncontested Divorce In Colorado

So how does a no contest divorce work in Colorado? First, understand that not everyone can make an uncontested divorce work. Couples who cant agree on items like parenting plans and how to divide their property wont be able to use this process. Theyll have to show up in court.

These are the requirements for an uncontested divorce in Colorado:

• You or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least the past 90 days.
• You and your spouse must not have property to divide, or you must have signed a property separation agreement that is fair to both of you.
• You and your spouse must agree that your marriage is irreparable.
• You and your spouse must not have any minor children, and the wife must not be pregnant.
• If you do have children, you and your spouse must sign a separation agreement that shows agreement on child custody and visitation, as well as child support, if applicable.

If youre not sure whether your situation fits the definition of what is an uncontested divorce in Colorado, its a good idea to talk to our Fort Collins divorce attorney, who can give you case-specific advice.

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Step : Defendant’s Response

After the Defendant is served, he or she will respond in one of three ways:

• The Defendant answers. This means that the Defendant has filed an “Answer” with the Supreme Court and will serve the Plaintiff with the “Answer.” This divorce is now contested. You may want to speak to a lawyer at this point to get advice.
• The Defendant signs the “Affidavit of Defendant.” This is a form where the Defendant agrees to the divorce and does not argue with anything that is being asked for in the “Summons With Notice” or “Summons and Complaint.” Go to Step 4: Calendaring.
• The Defendant does not respond in any way. This means that the Defendant has defaulted. Go to Step 4: Calendaring.

If I Think The Divorce Will Be Uncontested What Are The Steps I Need To Follow To Begin The Divorce

Step 1: GroundsYou must first have grounds to ask for a divorce. For more information, please review the section: What are the grounds for divorce?

If you are filing for a divorce after a separation agreement, you must both have a properly written agreement that has to have very specific legal language in it to be valid. We strongly suggest that you have a lawyer draw up the agreement so that it meets the legal requirements. You both must sign the agreement in front of a notary and at some point, file it in the proper court in the county where you live. Then, you must live apart, according to the terms of your agreement, for at least one year before filing for divorce.

If you are filing for a fault-based divorce or a no-fault divorce action, then you do not need to write a separation agreement. Again, we suggest having an attorney assist you with filing for your divorce.

You will also have to pay certain fees to file for the divorce. If you cannot afford it, you can ask the clerk for an application to proceed as a poor person. If you qualify, you may not have to pay the fees.

If your spouse lives in another state, you will need to follow the rules of that state. Call the to find out how to have the papers served in that state.

1 Much of this information was adapted from the NY Courts website divorce packet. Please read the packet for additional information.

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Its Your Divorce Attorney Not Ours

There is sometimes a belief that hiring an attorney for an uncontested divorce means the attorney will be representing both parties. However, a lawyer cant reconcile a clients best interests if both opposing sides are their clients. It can lead to conflicts of interest and other problems so, each party should retain their own counsel.

Your attorney will then review the agreed-upon settlement and ensure all of the documents being prepared for filing are error-free. They can also answer any questions you may have throughout the process and may even advise you on minor adjustments or modifications they know will help expedite the process.

Switching From Contested Divorce To Uncontested Divorce

In California, both contested divorce and uncontested divorce are common. A case becomes contested when you and your spouse disagree on one or more issues, such as property, finances or child custody. Your spouse will need to file a Response to your Petition stating what he or she disagrees on. From there, its up to one of you to schedule a hearing or trial date so the judge can hear both sides and resolve the disagreement.

A case may start out or later become contested, but it can become uncontested if an agreement is found through mediation, negotiation, or another process. An uncontested divorce case can be handled without court hearings and by referencing this California Divorce Guide. If you have any court dates scheduled, you may be able to cancel those once the case becomes uncontested.

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How Can I Get Help With An Uncontested Divorce

Along with the option of getting assistance from a lawyer , other resources are available to help with the uncontested divorce process, including:

• Mediators and other professionals.Divorce mediation can help when you want the advantages of filing for an uncontested divorce but are having trouble agreeing with your spouse about all the issues. Most mediators will prepare a written document that reflects any agreements you reached during the process. With or without mediation, you might also get help from experts like appraisers and tax experts to understand the consequences of potential settlement provisions.
• Online divorce. If the process of tracking down and filling out the divorce paperwork is daunting, you may use an online divorce service that will provide you with the completed forms for your statetypically including a settlement agreement, based on your answers to a questionnaire. Some of these services will also take care of filing the documents with the court .

Lawyer Representing Your Needs In Montgomery County

If you are considering filing for divorce or have already begun the process, don’t wait another moment. Contact a Montgomery County contested and uncontested divorce lawyer at the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz at 645-0100 to review your current situation and discuss your immediate and long term legal plan.

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Step : Serving The Defendant

The Defendant must be told of the divorce case in person. This is done by delivering the “Summons With Notice” or the “Summons and Complaint” and other papers to the Defendant personally. This is called service.

If you don’t know where your spouse is, ask the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office for more information about alternative service.

• The Plaintiff has 120 days from the day the “Summons With Notice” or “Summons and Complaint” were filed with the County Clerk to serve the Defendant.
• The Plaintiff can’t serve the Defendant. The Plaintiff must ask someone who is over 18 years old to do this for them.
• The person who served the Defendant must complete an “Affidavit of Service.” This is proof that the papers were delivered to the Defendant in the right way.

Advantages Of An Uncontested Divorce

There are two main advantages to an uncontested divorceit saves you time and money.

If a settlement is reached, it can be filed within a few weeks and approved by the court within a month. Compare this to the months and possibly years a contested divorce may take.

Uncontested settled divorces also save you money. If you can agree on everything without either partner hiring an attorney, thats obviously going to be less expensive than having to hire a lawyer. Even if both spouses hire an attorney, however, avoiding a trial is going to save you a significant amount.

If your spouse does not respond to your divorce filing, your process will also be fast and inexpensive. There will be no negotiation, no trial and no conflict. Your legal fees will be extremely low just for document preparation and a brief court appearance. And your divorce will be processed quickly.

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Prepare And File Your Paperwork With The Court

Once you and your attorney have a better sense of how youd like to proceed, youll prepare an initial complaint and summons and other supporting documents that may include a request for temporary spousal support, child custody requests, and so forth.

temporary restraining order.

When you file, youll need to pay a filing fee. Depending on your jurisdiction, this will be anywhere from $75 to as much as $400. Depending on how your spouse is served, you may need to pay a fee for that service as well.

Uncontested Divorce Florida For No Court Appearance

In a Florida uncontested divorce, the attorney draws up a Marital Settlement Agreement which the parties sign. And the parties then go to Court for a very short final hearing. In fact, Attorney Gruskin can help you and your spouse avoid going to Court at all in an uncontested divorce. Call him at 1-800-999-0119 days, nights, or weekends. The cost of an uncontested divorce in Florida should be minimal. And the case can usually be wrapped up within thirty days of the time that the parties come to an agreement.

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Get A Legal Assistance With Your Uncontested Divorce

Divorce, if contested or uncontested, can be emotionally distressing for everyone involved. Speak with an experienced divorce attorney that can guide you through the process to safeguard your privacy and to guarantee your financial security.

How Do I Prepare For An Uncontested Divorce

How to Prepare for an Uncontested Divorce

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How Can I Get A Quick Divorce

Procedure to be followed for a Mutual Divorce.

What Are The Differences Between An Uncontested Divorce And A Contested Divorce

An uncontested divorce simply means that the divorcing parties are able to work out their differences and come to an agreement on the terms of the divorce, without needing a judge to decide on how the terms will be imposed. Conversely, in a contested divorce, the terms of divorce are out of the control of the divorcing couple. A judge will decide the terms that the divorcing party was unable to come to agreement on.Cost is also a significant difference between contested and uncontested divorces. In a contested divorce, the parties may be incurring $500 per hour our more in legal fees, combined. Tens-of-thousands of dollars can easily be spent, only to arrive at a decision that one or both parties is not happy with. An uncontested divorce may be accomplished for $1000 to $2000.The speed at which the process is accomplished is yet another vast difference between contested and uncontested divorces. Uncontested divorces can be completed very quickly, while contested divorces can last for months or years.If possible, an uncontested divorce is preferable to a contested divorce.

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S In A Contested Divorce Vs Steps In An Uncontested Divorce

The main difference between a Contested Divorce and an Uncontested Divorce is that you will have a courtroom fight in most Contested Divorces. As a result, a Contested Divorce involves more steps, and each step requires more time, effort, and money.

Step One: A divorce lawyer files an Original Petition for Divorce with the court, which starts the divorce process. Divorce lawyers in Austin, TX usually call this document a Divorce Petition. A Divorce Petition is filed in both Contested Divorce and Uncontested Divorce cases. It includes information about you, your spouse, and the marriage. The Divorce Petition also identifies issues related to child custody, child support, spousal support, separate property, and community property.

Step Two: The spouse who files the Divorce Petition is required to serve the other spouse with a copy of the Divorce Petition. In a Contested Divorce, this is usually done through formal service of process, meaning that a sheriff or process server hand delivers the Divorce Petition to your spouse. In an Uncontested Divorce, an experienced Austin divorce lawyer can often save you time and money by getting around the service requirement through other informal methods.

In Uncontested Divorces, spouses often agree to exchange a more limited amount of information and evidence through informal processes with the help of an experienced divorce lawyer, saving both time and money when possible.

Process For Uncontested Divorce

Once the couple has been separated for 12 months or more and at least one spouse has been a resident of North Carolina for at least six months, either spouse can file a Complaint for Absolute Divorce. The complaint is served on the other spouse but the spouse can waive service.

After service, the served spouse has 30 days to file an answer. After 30 days have passed, the spouse can request a date for the divorce hearing. If there are no issues in dispute, the judge will sign the divorce judgment and the couple will be legally divorced at that point.

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What Does Uncontested Divorce Mean

On Wednesday, we discussed what a contested divorce means. We touched a little bit, too, on uncontested divorce because its hard to understand one without the other.

Contested refers to a divorce where the parties have not reached an agreement about how the assets and liabilities will be divided in an uncontested divorce, on the other hand, the parties did reach a decision about how to divide it all. Thats not to say that they knew from the beginning that theyd be able to reach a decision about how to divide it, or that it happened easily.

An uncontested case is one that culminates in a and subsequent filing for an uncontested divorce, but the process like in a contested divorce can take many different shapes, depending on the parties, attorneys, and others involved in the case.

Divorcing women run the gamut. Some tell me, Oh, this is going to be the most horrible case ever, well never agree to anything ever, never, and others tell me, Oh, its super easy, shouldnt take any time, and will likely cost about $0.

Im being facetious. But it is true, both of those women exist, and I see them a lot. Just today a sort of former friend texted to ask me about the uncontested divorce process. She told me that it should be easy, because they worked everything out. We talked a bit about it, how it works, fees involved, etc., and then she said, Is it okay if maybe we leave custody for later?

But I thought it was all worked out?

What Is The Difference Between A Contested And An Uncontested Divorce

The difference between a contested and an uncontested divorce is that, in an uncontested divorce, the spouses agree on the terms that will apply to the termination of their marriage. They dont need a judge to make decisions for them, and as a result, they do not need to litigate their divorce in court. A contested divorce is just the opposite: the spouses are unable to come to terms on their own, and as a result, they have no choice but to present their respective cases at trial.

Yes, absolutely. In fact, this is quite common. While two divorcing spouses may initially be at odds, once they begin the divorce process, learn more about one anothers interests, and begin to feel the financial burdens of litigation, it is not unusual for them to shift their focus to finding common ground.

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