Differences Between Contested & Uncontested Divorce

Understanding Divorce: Uncontested Divorce vs. Contested Divorce

Whether contested or uncontested, each divorce provides its unique experiences and challenges. However, knowing your options, no matter your situation, is half the battle. Jeddeloh Snyder Stommes is here to bring our divorce experience and knowledge to help you navigate the divorce process.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce means one or both spouses do not agree on the divorce or any of the significant issues involved. Disagreements include child support and custody, property division, spousal maintenance, asset distribution, and debt allocation. Both spouses are encouraged to hire a lawyer to help navigate the complex divorce process in these cases. When looking for a divorce lawyer, spouses should find ones they trust to put their best interests at the forefront. A divorce lawyer can also help you with the steps after a divorce and make sure you can move on with peace of mind knowing that everything is completed. If negotiations between both sides do not end with any agreements, the contested divorce can go to a trial. During this process, both sides will present their cases, and the court will decide the best decision for everyone involved.

Ending a Contested Divorce with a Settlement

During the divorce negotiations, if both sides end up agreeing on all issues, the contested divorce can end in a settlement. A trial is not needed when a settlement is reached. After the final decisions are made, the court still needs to approve to ensure a fair agreement. However, this is done outside a trial and is much shorter.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on the divorce and all the major issues, as listed above. This type of divorce can generally be completed quickly. As stated above, divorces can start as contested but eventually become uncontested after some negotiations between each side. Court approval is still needed after all negotiations and decisions to ensure fair outcomes for both spouses.

Do I need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce?

Court approval is still needed after all negotiations and decisions to ensure fair outcomes for both spouses. If you decide to hire a lawyer during an uncontested divorce, your expenses will still be lower due to the shorter processes and making sure everything is done correctly the first time around. Hiring a divorce lawyer will help you during the divorce and give you peace of mind.

Navigate Your Divorce the Right Way

Regardless of the type of divorce, each situation is unique and involves different stresses. Let our expert divorce lawyers help you through all the steps and remove some of that stress and uncertainty.