home services divorce uncontested vs. contested divorce

Lawyers Explain Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in Chicago

Q: What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

In an uncontested divorce , both parties agree to all the terms of the divorce settlement without needing the court's intervention. Both parties and their attorneys work together to address and resolve all issues of the divorce, including property division, child support, child custody and alimony. Once the divorcing spouses and their attorneys have come to an agreement, or divorce settlement, the spouses should only have to appear in court one time, to have the judge go over and validate their settlement deal. The main advantage of going through with an uncontested divorce is that all involved parties save time, money and energy. However, an uncontested divorce only works if both parties are willing to negotiate . If negotiations fall through, then a contested divorce may be the only option.

Q: What Is a Contested Divorce?

In a contested divorce , both parties cannot come to an agreement on some or all of the divorce issues, in which case they must have the court bring resolution to the issues of property division , child support, spousal support, and child custody. Unlike in an uncontested divorce, both parties may be required to appear in court many times, and will likely have to testify in front of a judge. There are two primary disadvantages to going through with a contested divorce. First, it's generally more expensive and time-consuming. And second, since the judge is granted the power to resolve all issues, both parties secede control and may end up being dissatisfied with the judge's ruling as a result. It is best if you explore your divorce options with a trusted attorney and determine which one is right for you and the other party.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

What Is a Contested Divorce?
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Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce

It is understandable for divorcing spouses to endure enormous amounts of emotional and mental distress due to their intimate history and the implications of starting a new life apart from one another. However, contrary to popular belief, legal and financial procedures do not necessarily have to be contentious, drawn out and expensive. With legal guidance from the right divorce attorneys, you can get done with your divorce and move on with your life sooner than you think.

At the Chicago-based family law firm of Nottage and Ward, LLP, we work closely with our clients and keep them informed of their positions and legal options every step of the divorce process. With our assistance, you can begin to make the best decisions for your family going forward. For more information on the legal services our reputable firm provides, call (312) 332-2915.

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree to all the terms of the divorce settlement without needing the court's intervention. Both parties and their attorneys work together to address and resolve all issues of the divorce, including property division, child support, child custody and alimony.

Once the divorcing spouses and their attorneys have come to an agreement, or divorce settlement, the spouses should only have to appear in court one time, to have the judge go over and validate their settlement deal.

The main advantage of going through with an uncontested divorce is that all involved parties save time, money and energy. However, an uncontested divorce only works if both parties are willing to negotiate. If negotiations fall through, then a contested divorce may be the only option.

What Is a Contested Divorce?

In a contested divorce, both parties cannot come to an agreement on some or all of the divorce issues, in which case they must have the court bring resolution to the issues of property division, child support, spousal support, and child custody. Unlike in an uncontested divorce, both parties may be required to appear in court many times, and will likely have to testify in front of a judge.

There are two primary disadvantages to going through with a contested divorce. First, it's generally more expensive and time-consuming. And second, since the judge is granted the power to resolve all issues, both parties secede control and may end up being dissatisfied with the judge's ruling as a result.

It is best if you explore your divorce options with a trusted attorney and determine which one is right for you and the other party.

We Come Highly Recommended

The Chicago divorce attorneys at Nottage and Ward, LLP are renowned in Illinois for providing sophisticated consultation and legal services to individual in a wide variety of family law affairs. If you want an honest assessment of your divorce case and your options, contact our office at (312) 332-2915 today.

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