You may need to make major lifestyle changes when you no longer have two incomes in one household. But if your spouse isn’t cooperative or if there was abuse in the marriage and you don’t feel comfortable negotiating, then a contested divorce may be your only option. With an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse agree on grounds for divorce and draft your own settlement addressing all key issues.Īn uncontested divorce is cheaper, easier, less stressful and can result in a settlement agreement that makes everyone happier. With a contested divorce, issues are decided by the court.

You can opt for an uncontested or a contested divorce when you end your marriage. Decide What Kind of Divorce Process You Want Your lawyer protects your rights during divorce and helps ensure you make decisions based on what is best for you over the long-term and which optimize your rights. You and your spouse should each have your own family law attorney representing you. They can also guide you in the right direction when you are trying to negotiate on these issues outside of court so you can pursue an uncontested divorce. You should know these rules because they help you understand what to expect as far as property, custody and support after a divorce. All states determine child support based on set standards. And all states make custody decisions based on what is in the best interests of the child. States have default rules that apply if you and your spouse cannot agree on the issues raised by ending your marriage.įor example, community property states divide marital property (and marital debt) 50/50 while equitable distribution states divide marital property and debt fairly but not necessarily equally. Understand State Laws Governing Property Division and Support

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