Uncontested Divorce Lawyers

Uncontested Divorce Lawyers Across the United States

An uncontested divorce happens when both spouses agree on all major issues — property division, child custody, support, and debt allocation. It's the simplest and fastest way to end a marriage. According to various court records, uncontested divorces account for roughly 90% of all divorce cases filed in the U.S.

What Uncontested Divorce Law Covers

This practice area focuses on dissolving a marriage where no disputes exist between the parties. Both spouses must reach agreement on the division of assets, child custody arrangements, child support, and spousal support before filing.

An attorney prepares the settlement agreement, files court paperwork, and ensures the terms comply with state law. Even though both sides agree, the final agreement must still be approved by a judge. A lawyer reviews the terms to confirm neither party is giving up rights unknowingly or agreeing to something unenforceable.

When to Hire an Uncontested Divorce Lawyer

• You and your spouse agree on all terms but need someone to draft a legally binding separation agreement
• You own property, retirement accounts, or a business and want to make sure the division is fair and properly documented
• Children are involved and you need a custody and support arrangement that meets your state's legal requirements
• You want to finalize the divorce quickly without making procedural mistakes that cause delays
• Your spouse has an attorney and you want someone reviewing the paperwork on your behalf

How the Uncontested Divorce Process Works

One spouse files a petition for dissolution with the local court. The other spouse is served with papers and typically files a response agreeing to the terms. In many jurisdictions, the entire process takes between 30 and 90 days from filing to final decree.

Most uncontested divorces don't require a trial. Some states allow the judge to approve the agreement without either party appearing in court. Others require a brief hearing where the judge confirms both parties entered the agreement voluntarily.

How Financial Outcomes Are Determined

• Division of marital assets follows either community property or equitable distribution rules, depending on the state — community property states split assets 50/50, while equitable distribution states divide them based on fairness factors
• Child support is calculated using state-specific formulas that factor in each parent's income, the number of children, and custodial time
• Alimony considerations include the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the household
• Retirement accounts and pensions may require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide without tax penalties
• Debt accumulated during the marriage is allocated between spouses as part of the settlement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an uncontested divorce become contested?

Yes. If disagreements arise during the process, the case can shift to a contested proceeding. That's one reason having a lawyer involved from the start saves time. They can address potential sticking points before they derail the agreement.

Do both spouses need their own lawyer?

One attorney cannot represent both sides. However, one spouse can hire a lawyer to draft the agreement while the other reviews it independently or waives their right to separate counsel. Having at least one attorney involved helps ensure the paperwork holds up in court.