Any divorce is likely to end with bitterness and arguments, but it is possible to keep those to a minimum. If you are able to see eye to eye and take the steps without the help of the court, then you should seek an uncontested divorce.

Definition

An uncontested divorce is when neither party is going to try to stop the divorce and there are no disputes for the court to decide about property, children or money.

Advantages

The most obvious advantage to being able to settle a divorce between two people would be cost. By settling with an uncontested divorce, a couple can save a great deal of money in attorney fees. And since there are no disputes, the matter can be carried out with more privacy.

Disadvantages

An uncontested divorce isn't best in every situation. In instances where there is a dominance of one partner over the other, whether it be physical or mental abuse, it may be best to seek legal assistance. Also, if one of the partners is refusing to discuss the matter, you won't be able to move forward in the uncontested divorce procedure.

Cost

The cost of an uncontested divorce will vary depending on your location and the amount of time you will need to spend with a lawyer. You could end up spending anywhere from $100 to $1,300, but most often the number will be close to $300.

Children

When children are involved, unless custody issues can be worked out between the two parents, the case is often forwarded to an office of the court. They will conduct interviews to determine what type of custody is most suitable for the children and the amount of child support that needs to be paid. Due to this intervention, the procedure cannot be considered uncontested at this point.

Source:

LegalZoom.com

DivorceSource.com

DivorceInfo.com