What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?
Please note that these answers are not legal advice. If you’re in need of legal advice or a lawyer please visit our Expert Guide
The main difference between a contested and uncontested divorce lies in how the spouses handle their disagreements about key aspects of the divorce:
Uncontested Divorce
Both spouses agree on all major issues, including:
Division of property and assets
Child custody and support
Alimony (spousal support)
Debt allocation
Typically faster, less expensive, and less stressful.
Often involves minimal court appearances—sometimes just paperwork.
Can be handled through mediation or a collaborative divorce process.
Contested Divorce
Spouses disagree on one or more major issues.
Requires court intervention to resolve disputes.
Involves:
Discovery processes (exchange of financial information and documents)
Hearings and sometimes a trial
Longer timelines and higher legal costs
Judges make final decisions on disputed matters if spouses cannot come to an agreement.
Key Differences:
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