The entire divorce process is generally an unpleasant experience for all involved. After all, you are ending your marriage, which you may have assumed was going to last forever. People end their marriages for different reasons, all of which are unique and personal. Regardless of how your divorce occurs, it’s going to take a toll on you. Pushing for an uncontested divorce can make the process less painful. An Oklahoma City divorce lawyer can help you make that happen.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
When you decide that your marriage needs to come to an end, there are two ways that your divorce can proceed. You will either have a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce. In most cases, an uncontested divorce is easier to handle due to both partners being able to compromise and agree on many aspects of the divorce, including asset division and child custody. An uncontested divorce is about finding common ground and ending things respectfully.
An uncontested divorce, however, cannot occur when one of the involved parties wants to reconcile or shows resistance to the divorce. Both partners understand that the marriage is beyond fixing and has to end. When both partners are on the same page about that, separating can be much smoother and even amicable. You may be able to have a calm discussion about everything that needs to be split, work out a parenting plan, and agree on spousal support.
What Exactly Is a Contested Divorce?
A contested divorce is the opposite. Compared to an uncontested divorce, this can be harsh, complicated, emotional, and more expensive. A contested divorce comes from years of resentment, betrayal, and anger. When you serve your spouse divorce papers, they may seek to contest everything just to spite you.
The longer they can drag the divorce out, the more expensive it becomes for you. They may want to see the assets liquidated to pay court costs instead of leaving them in your hands.
When you decide to get divorced, it may be the culmination of a lot of dissatisfaction. You don’t owe anyone an explanation, including your ex. If you are pursuing divorce, you have probably already explained your concerns to them. Ideally, at this point, you are able to work out the details of your divorce together. If not, a contested divorce is likely in your future.
According to the CDC, the divorce rate in Oklahoma as of 2022 is considerably higher than the national average. The divorce rate in Oklahoma at that time was 3.7 out of 1,000 residents, a substantial amount. With such a high divorce rate, it’s reasonable to assume many of those divorces were uncontested and amicable.
Regardless of the way your divorce occurs, if you are struggling with your emotions post-divorce, you may want to reach out to an Oklahoma City support group like DivorceCare.
The Uncontested Divorce Process in Oklahoma
If you seek an uncontested divorce, the process is generally much easier than a contested one. All you really need to do is fill out the correct paperwork, file it in the right county, and agree on everything with your spouse. Throughout this process, you will likely want to retain the services of an experienced divorce lawyer. Even though the process can be easier, you may still want to have a good lawyer by your side in case anything goes wrong.
An experienced divorce lawyer can make sure you don’t fill out incorrect paperwork, miss any crucial deadlines, or leave out vital information that can affect the timeliness of your case. Even though uncontested divorces tend to be smoother than contested divorces, challenges can still arise that may require the assistance of a good lawyer.
FAQs
Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Uncontested Divorce?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended that you hire a lawyer for your uncontested divorce. The last thing you want is to end up unprepared to handle a situation that arises during your divorce. Ultimately, it is your decision to make. If you know what you want and how to file on your own, you may want to work through your divorce without a lawyer. However, having a lawyer can make the whole process easier to handle.
Q: How Much Will an Uncontested Divorce Cost?
A: There’s no telling how much an uncontested divorce may cost. Every divorce case is different, with each case having its own contributing factors that affect the total cost. An uncontested divorce is usually going to be much cheaper than a contested divorce, but it will still accrue costs of its own, such as filing costs and lawyer fees.
Q: What Are Some Positive Elements to an Uncontested Divorce?
A: There are multiple positive elements to the uncontested divorce process, especially when compared to the alternative, as these divorces are usually cheaper and faster than contested divorces. One of the most important elements to consider is the timeliness. An uncontested divorce is typically faster than a contested one, since you and your partner are working together to end things on mutual terms.
Q: What Are Some Negative Elements to an Uncontested Divorce?
A: Even though the process is often smoother than a contested divorce, there may still be negative elements to an uncontested divorce. One of the more significant elements is potentially being rushed. Things can move so quickly with an uncontested divorce that you may feel like you’re not taking enough time to consider everything before the divorce is finalized, which can lead to mistakes. A good lawyer can guide you through your options and shoulder some of your stress.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer Today
If you decide to move forward with an uncontested divorce, consider reaching out to an experienced divorce lawyer who can help guide you through the process. It may be wise to have legal assistance by your side throughout this process.
At Stange Law Firm, we can provide you with the resources you need to see your divorce through to the end. Contact us to speak to a team member about your case.
