If both parties agree on key divorce issues, they can file for an uncontested divorce. This is typically less expensive than a contested divorce.
Some key divorce issues include property division, child custody, visitation rights, and spousal support. These issues can be challenging to resolve without the help of an attorney.
Hire a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer is one of the first steps in filing for an uncontested divorce Tampa. Attorneys can be hard to find during this time, but hiring one as soon as possible is essential.
A lawyer will help you fill out the forms and file them correctly. They will also make sure that the papers are adequately served.
A lawyer can also review any existing legal agreements or prenuptial contracts to ensure they are valid. This can save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Schedule a Consultation
Consider an uncontested divorce if you want a quicker and less expensive one. The catch is that you and your spouse must be able to agree on property division, alimony, and child custody and visitation.
Both spouses must agree on property and debt division, alimony, and child custody issues to file an uncontested divorce in Hawaii. The couple must also be able to agree on grounds for ending the marriage, such as irreconcilable differences.
Fill Out the Paperwork
Divorce is complex and requires a lot of paperwork. A qualified attorney can help you fill out the necessary paperwork. The papers include a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Financial Affidavits, and the Settlement Agreement.
The terms of your divorce include property division, alimony or maintenance, child custody and support, and more. The judge will examine these issues before delivering a ruling. If you and your spouse cannot agree on these terms, you must move forward with a contested divorce.
Schedule a Meeting with Your Attorney
Divorce involves many financial details, so it’s essential to bring any documentation you have with you. This could include bank statements, pay stubs, and credit card information.
Your attorney will also want to know about any issues you might have. For example, if abuse or adultery was involved in your separation, it can affect how your case is settled.
If you seek an uncontested divorce, you must ensure your spouse is served with divorce papers. Learn more about serving your spouse on our How to Serve page.
File the Paperwork
Depending on your state, you can file some initial uncontested divorce papers online. You must go to the courthouse and file them in person if needed.
You must also pay the filing fees, which vary by state and courthouse. Additionally, you will need to serve the Defendant with a copy of all the papers.
Some states require a final hearing, but most judges will review your paperwork and approve it (unless there’s a problem).
Meet with Your Attorney
If both parties in the divorce agree on all issues, an uncontested divorce can be completed quickly and easily. However, that does not mean you do not need an attorney.
An experienced lawyer can ensure all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed. They can also help you avoid any costly mistakes. Additionally, an attorney can ensure all your paperwork is filed correctly and served on the Defendant properly. This is critical to avoiding delays and making the process smooth.
Sign the Paperwork
You and your spouse have a change of heart before the judge finalizes your divorce, or else your uncontested divorce will become contested. However, if you or your spouse have a change of heart after the court signs your divorce judgment, you will need to follow the steps for a contested divorce.
Once you complete the necessary paperwork, you must pay your filing fee and have the papers served on your spouse. Make sure that the person serving your spouse is over 18 years old.
Schedule a Meeting with Your Attorney
To ensure a productive meeting with your attorney, it’s essential to come prepared. Before your appointment, list any questions or concerns you may have. Also, send your lawyer a memo describing what you want to accomplish and your questions a few days before the meeting.
If you have children, working out a custody agreement that both parents can agree on is essential. This will help reduce the stress and upset for the children involved.
