Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is the smoothest path through the process. It happens when both spouses agree on every major issue: how to divide their property and debts, whether either spouse will pay spousal support, and if they have children, how custody, visitation, and child support will be structured. When both sides agree, the court simply reviews and approves the agreement — no judge needs to decide anything.

Uncontested divorces are significantly faster and less expensive than contested ones. In some states, an uncontested divorce with no children can be finalized in as little as 30–90 days after filing (after any mandatory waiting period). The paperwork is more streamlined, attorney fees are lower, and the emotional toll is considerably less.

An uncontested divorce doesn't mean you have to represent yourself. It's still advisable to have an attorney (or at minimum, a document preparation service like JustiPal™) review your agreement to make sure it's complete, fair, and legally enforceable before you sign.

If you and your spouse can communicate and agree on the major issues, an uncontested divorce is almost always the right path. The money you save on attorney fees, the time you save on court proceedings, and the emotional benefit of a cooperative process are all significant advantages.

Many couples who initially think they'll have a contested divorce end up reaching an agreement through mediation or negotiation, making their divorce uncontested at the end. Keeping the door open to negotiation — even when you disagree at first — can save both parties considerable time and cost.