Contested or Uncontested Divorce

A divorce can be either uncontested or contested. If a divorce is uncontested that means that the two spouses are agreed on all issues necessary to issue a legally enforceable dissolution of the marriage. In uncontested divorce cases, the court's role is typically minimal. Courts will enforce arrangements that both parties agree to. The benefit, then, from an uncontested divorce, is that it can usually be completed faster and cheaper.

A contested divorce is one where the parties do not agree on one or more issues, and the court must intervene to help the parties reach agreement. As part of the contested divorce process, many states require spouses to go through non-binding mediation. In mediation, a neutral third party attempts to help spouses communicate and work out issues which can eliminate the need for a court to make final decisions.

Fault or No-Fault Divorce

In addition to contested and uncontested divorce categories, a divorce can be either fault or no-fault. In an at-fault divorce, one spouse has alleged that the other spouse committed some wrongdoing that was an offense against the marriage. Examples of these offenses are adultery, abandonment, and abuse. Not all states offer at-fault divorces.

All states do offer no-fault divorce, however. In these divorces, couples can end their marriage without assigning blame or fault. There need not be any misdeeds alleged against either party. Generally, in no-fault states, one or both spouses claim that the parties are not compatible or have irreconcilable differences and wish to end the marriage.

Requirements for no-fault and at-fault divorce will vary from state to state. Your unbundled attorney will clarify the requirements for your state.

Start the Process of Resolving Your Divorce Today

A divorce is the legal end of a contractual relationship, but when a marriage ends, it involves significant consequences for relationships, and finances for the parties involved. Each divorce is unique. Your unbundled attorney can help you understand the legal requirements for your state, the issues you will face as your divorce proceeds, and most importantly how to protect your rights throughout the legal divorce process.