When you’re expecting an uncontested divorce, you may assume that the process will become much easier and faster for both partners. While there’s some truth to that assumption, divorce is still an incredibly complex legal process, one that has the potential to bring hidden conflicts, bitter disputes, and diverse family problems out into the public arena.
Regardless of your unique circumstances, our St. Louis divorce attorneys at Kallen Law Firm, LLC, would be happy to help you work through the divorce negotiations, and make the process as seamless as possible. With dedicated legal representation, our uncontested divorce clients often find that they’re able to find a more positive and equitable end to their marriage – and to take those first steps into the future with confidence.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
Until recently, many states required that spouses prove misconduct in order to get divorced. The grounds could range from adultery to abuse, but if one partner couldn’t provide clear evidence of the other’s fault, the divorce wouldn’t even proceed.
Thankfully, times have changed, and most states now allow for a “no-fault” divorce system, where a single spouse can testify that the marriage has become “irretrievably broken.” While fault may still be considered to inform child custody and financial support decisions, the no-fault system ensures that you can serve your soon-to-be-ex with divorce papers, even if they disagree with the divorce itself.
When your spouse refuses to cooperate with divorce proceedings, it may be called a “contested” divorce and become exponentially more difficult to pursue: However, no judge will force you to stay in a marriage that you don’t want. On the other end of the spectrum, an uncontested divorce means that your partner will not actively fight you on the proceedings. But there are still a wide range of issues where you and your current spouse may disagree, especially when it comes to children.
How Can A Divorce Attorney Help Me?
Although uncontested divorces do tend to go more quickly, it’s all relative to the length of time required for a contested divorce. You may still need to spend several months in negotiations and in court hearings, resolving issues ranging from child support to property division. In some cases, you may even discover that the divorce becomes contested once you start discussing these issues, if your soon-to-be-ex discovers a point of major disagreement for your children or finances.
As experienced negotiators and trained mediators, our St. Louis divorce attorneys are well-equipped to help you get through any hurdles during your divorce. As a people-focused firm known for getting results, we can offer customized divorce solutions that include collaborative divorce or mediation.
Call us today at (314) 441-7793 for a free consultation at Kallen Law Firm, LLC!
