Law
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Uncontested Divorce?

Linda Hinkle
Linda Hinkle

An uncontested divorce is a divorce that is granted without the spouses having to go to trial. The term implies that the spouses in an uncontested divorce have no disputes or disagreements about ending the marriage, but that isn’t necessarily true. An uncontested divorce simply means that the spouses are able to work out their differences and negotiate a settlement without going before a judge for mediation. A divorce is also considered uncontested when one spouse files papers and the other spouse fails to file a formal response.

Ending a marriage is difficult under the best of circumstances, but when one spouse wants the divorce and the other does not, the process can be especially painful. Even when both spouses want the divorce, it’s unlikely that they will agree on all the important matters related to ending the marriage. Major decisions have to be made concerning such sensitive issues as child custody, visitation rights, child support, alimony, and how to divide assets.

With an uncontested divorce, a decree is granted without the matter going to trial.
With an uncontested divorce, a decree is granted without the matter going to trial.

In a contested divorce, there are major disagreements between the spouses that cannot be resolved. The spouses must go to court and let a judge determine what is fair. In an uncontested divorce, the spouses are able to eliminate costly court costs and lengthy proceedings by working out an agreement on their own. This doesn’t necessarily mean that both parties want the divorce. An uncontested divorce can be granted when one spouse doesn’t want the divorce if that spouse realizes the divorce is inevitable and agrees to negotiate a settlement.

A marriage ends in uncontested divorce when a couple negotiates a settlement without appearing before a judge for mediation.
A marriage ends in uncontested divorce when a couple negotiates a settlement without appearing before a judge for mediation.

Although specific requirements may vary from place to place, the general procedure for obtaining an uncontested divorce usually involves three steps. First, one spouse must set the process in motion by filing paperwork and having it served on the other spouse. Second, the spouses must provide documentation that specifically states and describes the terms of agreement about important matters. This documentation is called the marital settlement agreement or property settlement. Third, final divorce papers, including the marital settlement agreement, must be completed and filed with the court.

An uncontested divorce does not necessarily mean that a couple has no disagreements about ending the marriage.
An uncontested divorce does not necessarily mean that a couple has no disagreements about ending the marriage.

Uncontested divorces are typically quicker and cheaper than contested divorces. Most divorces in the United States are uncontested, and many couples handle the entire process by themselves. All the necessary uncontested divorce forms are readily available online, along with instructions for completing and filing them. Although legal representation is not required in an uncontested divorce, one or both spouses sometimes hire an attorney to help with the negotiation process.

Discussion Comments

Logicfest

@Markerrag -- that's not necessarily true. For example, let's say you have a wife that works her fingers to the bone to send her husband to law school. Husband graduates, passes his bar, gets a well paying career and picks out a younger wife to go with it. The original wife would darn sure have something to fight about in court -- perhaps she is entitled to some spousal support as her reward for sending her husband through law school. That is an issue that would probably not be worked out in an uncontested divorce.

Or, here's another scenario. Let's say a retired couple is splitting up and the husband is drawing a large pension. You can almost bet the wife will want part of that pension and you can bet the husband won't want to give it to her. In that case, a court could decide whether at least part of the pension is marital property and how much of it the wife should receive.

There are other times an uncontested divorce isn't practical when no kids are involved, but the point is made.

Markerrag

If there are no children involved, there's little reason to do anything other than a contested divorce. Couples who don't have kids might as well split the marital property and debts on their own, end their marriages and go their separate ways without a lot of fighting.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • With an uncontested divorce, a decree is granted without the matter going to trial.
      By: zimmytws
      With an uncontested divorce, a decree is granted without the matter going to trial.
    • A marriage ends in uncontested divorce when a couple negotiates a settlement without appearing before a judge for mediation.
      By: Andrey Burmakin
      A marriage ends in uncontested divorce when a couple negotiates a settlement without appearing before a judge for mediation.
    • An uncontested divorce does not necessarily mean that a couple has no disagreements about ending the marriage.
      By: Kurhan
      An uncontested divorce does not necessarily mean that a couple has no disagreements about ending the marriage.
    • A divorce can be uncontested if divorce papers are filed by one spouse and the other neglects to register a formal response.
      By: DragonImages
      A divorce can be uncontested if divorce papers are filed by one spouse and the other neglects to register a formal response.