Going through a divorce is never an easy process, but it can be much less stressful when both parties agree on the terms of the divorce. This is where the uncontested divorce comes in. An uncontested divorce is a much simpler and less costly option compared to a contested divorce, which requires a court hearing and often results in one or both parties hiring attorneys. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of an uncontested divorce so you can have a better understanding of what to expect.

Hire a lawyer

Although you and your spouse have already agreed on the terms of the divorce, it’s still important to hire a lawyer to review the agreement and make sure everything is fair and reasonable. Your lawyer will also file the necessary paperwork with the court and handle any legal formalities.

File the documents

In order to get the divorce process started, you’ll need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court in the county where you and your spouse live. This is a legal document that formally requests the court to dissolve your marriage.

Serve your spouse

Once the petition has been filed with the court, you’ll need to serve your spouse with a copy of the petition and any other necessary documents. This can be done by sending it via certified mail or having a process server deliver it in person.

Negotiate and sign the agreement

You and your spouse will need to come to an agreement on the terms of the divorce, including custody, property division, child support, and alimony (if applicable). Once you’ve both agreed on the terms, you’ll need to sign the agreement and submit it to the court.

Finalize the divorce

After the agreement has been signed, you’ll need to schedule a court hearing where a judge will review the agreement and issue a final dissolution of marriage. Depending on the state you are filing in, you may need to attend the hearing, but in most cases, your lawyer can attend on your behalf.

Although an uncontested divorce can be a much simpler and less costly option compared to a contested divorce, it’s still important to hire a lawyer to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that everything is legal. The process of an uncontested divorce can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, so it’s important to be patient and communicate effectively with your spouse. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can have a smoother and less stressful divorce process.