Tips for Filing an Uncontested Divorce When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
A question we often hear sounds something like this: “We’ve been married a long time, have young kids, and agreed to file for an uncontested divorce through the county to save money. The house just went on the market, I’ll have physical custody, and I feel completely overwhelmed. Any tips for getting through the filing process?”
If this resonates with you, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Divorce—especially when kids and a house are involved—can feel like a tidal wave of logistics, emotions, and exhaustion all at once.
What “Uncontested Divorce” Means
In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all major issues: custody, parenting time, child support, property division, and debt. Because there’s no dispute for the court to resolve, the process can be faster and less expensive. But even if you agree, it still takes time and paperwork to finalize.
Steps for Filing an Uncontested Divorce
Check residency requirements. In New York (and many other states), one of you must have lived there for a certain amount of time before filing.
File a petition. This is the formal request to dissolve the marriage, usually filed with your county’s Supreme Court or family court system.
Submit your agreement. Your custody plan, child support terms, and property division need to be documented and signed.
Wait for judicial review. A judge reviews the paperwork to ensure it’s fair, especially when children are involved.
Receive the final judgment. Once signed, your divorce is official.
Tips for Managing the Overwhelm
Break it down. Focus on one step at a time: custody, house, then filing. You don’t need to carry it all in one day.
Lean on support. Friends, family, or professionals can help you manage logistics and emotions.
Prioritize rest. Exhaustion is a normal response, but your clarity will return when you give yourself space to breathe.
Remember: you’re not behind. Even if your ex is already “moving on,” your pace is your own, and your energy belongs to building stability for you and your children.
A Gentle Reminder
Even in uncontested divorces, you still deserve to feel informed, supported, and steady. This process is about more than saving money—it’s about protecting your children’s stability and your own peace of mind.
At Fresh Starts, we have mediators, divorce attorneys, and co-parenting experts in our Expert Guide who can help you navigate the paperwork and emotions of uncontested divorce.
If you’re beginning your own process, download our free ebook, What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce. It’s filled with scripts, checklists, and compassionate advice for filing, custody, property division, and everything in between.
Your fresh start may feel overwhelming now, but step by step, you’ll move from exhaustion to clarity.