You and your spouse are considering ending your marriage. You are considering your options for divorce, and you are not yet sure which path to take. Should you try a do-it-yourself divorce to save money? Perhaps a trial, where a judge will issue a verdict regarding asset division?
One option that may appeal to you is an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, each spouse agrees that they want a divorce, do not want a heated divorce battle and want to resolve everything as quickly as possible. Uncontested divorce can save you precious time, money and stress, if you qualify for it.
The criteria for uncontested divorce
A divorce that is relatively fast, simple and painless? Though it no doubt sounds appealing, uncontested divorce is not for every couple. You and your spouse may be good candidates if:
- You agree that you want a divorce
- You do not have financial disputes
- Your debt and assets are fairly uncomplicated
- You do not have minor children
- Neither spouse will seek alimony
As you can see, uncontested divorce is not for marriages that involve complex assets, custody disputes or spousal support disputes. But if you and your partner can agree on the terms of your split, then it could be an excellent option for you.
The steps for an uncontested divorce
If you decide to pursue an uncontested divorce, the process is fairly simple. These are the steps you must follow:
- Sign a joint divorce petition with your spouse
- File a settlement agreement with your spouse
- Submit the documents to court
- Receive your divorce judgment in the mail
Every marriage is unique, as is every divorce. No one can determine which method of divorce is best for your circumstances except for you. A divorce attorney can provide much-needed guidance as you figure out this difficult decision.
