Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
What is Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is a type of divorce where spouses agree on all the major issues. There are usually some details to work through, but in an uncontested case an agreement is reached early on, typically before any paperwork is filed with the court.
This type of divorce allows couples to reach an agreement on all aspects of the divorce without going to court, including division of property, child custody and support, and spousal support. It’s an efficient way for couples to end their marriage if they can agree on the details.
An agreement can be reached informally between the spouses, through early mediation or by one spouse hiring an uncontested divorce attorney. Generally, an uncontested case means both spouses agreed to the divorce terms outside of the court system.
People refer to uncontested divorce in many ways such as agreed divorce, amicable divorce and mutual divorce. The common theme of each is a peaceful and low conflict divorce.
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Choosing the Most Amicable Route
Conventional divorce is grueling and may take a toll on you emotionally and financially. Uncontested divorces are often much easier, both in terms of emotional and financial strain. With an uncontested divorce, both parties come to an agreement on all matters without the need for costly court proceedings or adversarial posturing.
This can save time and money and reduce the emotional burden of a long, drawn-out court process. Additionally, having control over the terms of your divorce can make it less difficult on you emotionally as you have a greater say in how things will play out.
An uncontested divorce can be a better option when compared to conventional divorce due to its speed, and the relief of emotional stress it can offer couples going through a separation. It may not be suitable for every couple, but if there are no disagreements between spouses, it can be a much more amicable way to end the marriage.
Ultimately, it’s important to consider all options when deciding which type of divorce is right for you.
Major Benefits of Hiring an Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
Uncontested divorce highlights
No Court Dates
In Washington, if you reach an agreement you can finalize your divorce without going to court. Uncontested divorces can be less emotionally taxing since there is no need for adversarial arguments or posturing between spouses. This speeds up the process and reduces costs.
Customized, Mutually Beneficial Agreements
Their expertise allows for creative problem-solving and the exploration of options you might not have considered on your own. This approach often results in more satisfying outcomes for both parties, as the agreement is tailored to your specific needs rather than imposed by a court.
Faster Resolution
An uncontested divorce can be filed in as little as two weeks and processed by the court after the 90 day waiting period ends, versus the typical 6–12 month timeline for a contested divorce. Once an agreement is reached your paperwork can be ready and filed with the court in a few days.
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FAQs About Uncontested Divorce
Common uncontested divorce questions
An amicable divorce lawyer can help you navigate the process of obtaining an uncontested divorce. They can provide advice and guidance on areas such as child custody, visitation rights, spousal support, division of assets, alimony payments, and other matters related to your divorce.
There are several benefits of hiring an uncontested divorce attorney. The legal process is complex, and there may be issues you have not considered or do not fully understand. A lawyer can help navigate the process, ensuring that all matters are handled correctly and in accordance with local laws.
Additionally, they can spot common issues, such as tax implications and connect you with other professionals to ensure you have the information needed to make the best decision possible. They can also negotiate on your behalf and help ensure you receive a fair settlement. Finally, an experienced attorney can provide guidance and emotional support during the divorce process.
You do not have to go to court if you file an uncontested divorce. However, in order to not have a court hearing you need to do one of two things.
Your first option is to can hire an attorney to finalize your uncontested divorce for you. In order to finalize an uncontested divorce locally, agreed orders need to be presented to a judge in ex parte court. In most counties your attorney can do this for you. However, if you have children you’ll still need to attend parenting classes before the case can be closed.
Alternatively, you can file your uncontested divorce by mail. This is a good option if you live in a Washington county that doesn’t allow an attorney to finalize the divorce without you or if you’d rather skip parenting classes.
Two Washington counties process divorce by mail and neither require court appearances. They also don’t require parenting classes. Once the court receives your forms in the mail they’ll set a review date. A judge will review your papers on that day without a hearing.
Most uncontested divorces in Washington take just over three months. However, in the majority of cases you’ll only need to budget a few days to work through them.
First, you need to reach an agreement, which is the step that is unpredictable. Finding common ground is the hardest part of divorce and can take time. The good news is once you have an agreement in place the paperwork can be prepared and filed within a few days.
After the paperwork is filed, the divorce is scheduled and will be finalized three months later. Washington imposes a 90 day waiting period on any newly filed divorce, whether agreed or not. This means that a judge can’t review your agreement until 90 days have passed. This waiting period accounts for the majority of the uncontested divorce timeline.
We service clients all across Washington including places such as: Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Renton, Lakewood, Federal Way, Tumwater, Lacey and South Bay.
Our three offices are located in Seattle, Olympia & Tacoma.