In divorce, you may hear lawyers or people talking about contested divorces and uncontested divorces, and you might wonder what the difference is. If you are preparing to file for divorce or to respond to divorce proceedings that your spouse has filed, it is important to understand the differences between these two terms commonly used in divorces. Here are three things to understand about contested and uncontested divorces:

The Key Difference Is in the Way the Couple Reaches an Agreement

The main difference between a contested divorce and an uncontested divorce is the way the couple reaches an agreement on how to divide their things, including their assets, debts, and kids. When a couple can easily agree on these things and reach an agreement they are both happy with, the couple can have an uncontested divorce. This simply means that neither party is objecting or fighting anything; they agree on everything.

With a contested divorce, you have a couple who cannot reach an agreement. In some cases, it might be that they agree on most things but cannot agree on one or two big things; in other cases, a couple might not be able to agree on anything. A contested divorce can often involve a lot of negotiating, fighting, and going back and forth between the spouses and lawyers.

An Uncontested Divorce Is Less Stressful and Much Faster and Easier

If you are able to agree on things and reach a mutual agreement quickly, you will find that this is so much easier and faster, and it will definitely be less stressful. You might be able to get your divorce finalized a lot faster, and you might be able to save a lot of money on legal fees. With a contested divorce, you will likely spend a lot more money trying to settle everything, and it may drag on and on for months, or even years.

You Might Not Have a Choice

The other thing to realize is that even if you want to be able to have an uncontested divorce, it might not be an option. If your spouse decides to fight you on everything you must agree on, you will not have a choice in the matter -- unless you are willing to just give in and give him or her whatever they want.

If you need assistance with getting divorced and do not yet have a lawyer, you should contact a law firm that offers divorce services. For more information, speak with legal professionals like those at Cooper Levenson Attorneys At Law.

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