Divorce can be a tough road to travel, but it doesn’t have to be a battleground. In Alabama, there’s an option that promotes cooperation and harmony: an uncontested divorce. This article will explain in simple terms what an uncontested divorce is and how it can empower couples to handle their separation in a more peaceful way.
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
Think of an uncontested divorce as a team project where both partners agree on all the key decisions. These include who gets which possessions, who takes care of the kids, and whether one person needs to pay support money (alimony) to the other. The idea is to work together to end the marriage, rather than having a judge make those decisions for you.
The Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce
1. It’s Less Expensive
One of the biggest perks of an uncontested divorce is that it usually costs less than a contested one. The reason is simple: the fewer arguments and court hearings you have, the less you’ll spend on legal fees.
2. It’s Quicker
Uncontested divorces generally wrap up faster than contested ones. Since you’re not quarreling over every issue, the process can move along more smoothly. This allows you to start your new chapter sooner.
3. It’s Less Stressful
An uncontested divorce can be much less stressful than a contested one. Fighting in court can take a heavy toll on your emotions, but working together to find solutions can ease the burden. This is particularly crucial if you have children and want to maintain a peaceful environment for them.
4. It’s More Private
With an uncontested divorce, your personal matters stay personal. In a contested divorce, your disagreements may be aired in public courtrooms. But with an uncontested divorce, the details of your marriage and separation remain between you and your spouse.
When deciding whether you should choose a contested or uncontested divorce in Alabama, there are several factors you need to consider, including whether there are significant disagreements between you and your partner.
While most couples automatically choose uncontested divorce because it does not require court intervention and is less expensive, there are several situations in which it may be more appropriate to choose contested over uncontested divorce:
- Significant disagreements. The most obvious sign that a couple should pursue a contested divorce rather than an uncontested divorce is when there are significant disagreements about various aspects of the separation.
- Complex financial situations.
- No agreements reached after mediation. If no agreement has been reached after several attempts at negotiating with each other through mediation sessions, then pursuing a contested approach may be inevitable.
Whether you choose to pursue a contested or uncontested divorce, it is important that you hire a skilled family law attorney who specializes in Alabama law to represent you throughout the process. An uncontested divorce lawyer will help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire process and that you get the best possible outcome from your settlement.
