Understanding the Difference Between Uncontested and Contested Divorce
Posted on Mar 4, 2015 11:08am PST
While making the decision to
divorce is never a simple one, it is often easier when both spouses are on the
same page. Disputes and conflict are minimized when each party is working
together towards the same outcome. Unfortunately, this isn't the case
for every divorcing couple. Sometimes the court has to get involved and
things drag on for months and even years. The camp you fall into determines
whether your divorce is uncontested or contested.
A
contested divorce means that spouses are unable to reach favorable decisions together and
must go to court to work through their issues. When a divorce is
uncontested, going to trial is unnecessary because each issue is resolved together
by the couple.
What is at stake in a divorce?
Regardless of the condition of your divorce, there are key factors that
every separating couple has to resolve. These include
property division,
alimony, and
child custody and
support. An inability to agree on these issues is the sign of a contested divorce.
Judges and lawyers often err on the side of favoring uncontested divorces,
as they are usually faster and less complicated. In today's world,
there are numerous alternatives to divorce court which can simplify the
entire process. Divorce mediation, collaborative divorce, and arbitration
are some of the most popular ways for couples to keep the terms of the
divorce in their own hands and avoid giving a judge control.
Sometimes, however, as much as you'd like to minimize conflict, it
is simply not possible. Going to court is by no means a bad choice and
some couples greatly benefit from doing so. At the end of the day, you
have to choose the best option for
you. At
Hutchinson Law, we pride ourselves on offering client-centered representation throughout
every phase of a divorce. We would be honored to help you pursue a favorable
resolution no matter what circumstances are involved.
Get in touch with us for dedicated legal counsel and support from our Jacksonville divorce
attorneys.