Divorces can be messy, and when they get messy, they can get really, really messy. According to the American Psychological Association, more than half of all marriages end in divorce, and of those divorces, over 80% are contested. That means that out of every ten divorces, only two are uncontested. What does this mean for you? If you’re considering getting a divorce, it’s essential to know that it’s likely to be a long and challenging process, full of conflict and bitterness.
Here are some statistics to back up just how messy divorces can get
- In a study of 2,000 divorced couples, 78% reported feeling angry and resentful toward their former spouse after the divorce gets finalized.
- A study of 500 divorced couples found that 89% had difficulty communicating with their former spouse after the divorce.
- A study of 1,000 divorced couples found that 76% reported feeling depressed after the divorce.
Divorces can get messy enough to disrupt your mental health and well-being. But what if there was a way to divorce without all the drama? There is a way, and it’s called an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is a divorce where both parties have agreed on all the terms. Here is how you can do it.
The Initial Discussions
The first step toward divorce will always be the decision. Both sides will have to agree that the marriage is over. This will be a difficult discussion if children are involved, but it’s necessary. Once both parties have decided that divorce is the best option, they can begin to discuss the terms.
Both sides must agree on who gets what property, how any debts will get divided, and if there will be spousal support or child support payments. These conversations can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you’re trying to avoid a messy divorce. That means respecting and understanding your former spouse’s point of view. It might help to mediate these discussions with a neutral third party who can help keep the conversations on track.
If you can agree on all the terms of your divorce, you can file for an uncontested divorce. This means you’ll be able to avoid a trial, which can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
Hire a Divorce Attorney
The conversations will be difficult, but you don’t have to go through them alone. A divorce attorney can help you protect your rights and interests. They can also help you navigate the legal system, which can be complicated and confusing.
If you’re considering an uncontested divorce, it’s essential to hire an experienced divorce attorney who can help you through the process.
Once you’ve decided on all the terms of your divorce, you’ll need to file the proper paperwork with the court. You can do this online or in person, and your divorce lawyer can help you throughout the process. Once the paperwork gets filed, you’ll need to serve your spouse with the papers. This can be done by mail, in person, or by email.
Your spouse will then have a certain amount of time to respond to the paperwork. If they agree to the terms of the divorce, they will sign the papers and return them to the court. They can file their paperwork with the court if they don’t agree to the terms.
At this point, you’ll need to attend a hearing, where a judge will review your paperwork and decide if your divorce is uncontested. If it is, the judge will sign off on your divorce, which will be final.
Remain Supportive
Despite the divorce, there will still be a connection between you and your former spouse. This is especially true if you have children together. It’s important to remain supportive, even though you’re not together anymore.
This cannot be easy, but it’s essential for the well-being of your children. They need to see that their parents can still get along, even though they’re not married. However, there might be times when one person is struggling more than the other. If the relationship after the divorce is peaceful and supportive, you can reach out and offer help. However, you must always set boundaries. Post-divorce life differs from married life, and you need to respect that.
Your children might also be at a young age where they need both parents. In this case, you must ensure you’re both there for them. This can be difficult, but it’s necessary for their well-being.
Final Thoughts
Divorce is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. An uncontested divorce can help you avoid the stress and drama of a traditional divorce. If you’re considering divorce, it’s essential to hire an experienced divorce attorney who can help you through the process.