Why let a judge decide your future? In the battle of contested divorce vs. uncontested divorce, you have the power to call the shots—and keep more money in your pocket.
The fastest, cheapest, and most peaceful divorces happen outside the courtroom
The media loves to dramatize divorce, showing intense courtroom battles where everyone fights for what they “deserve.” But the reality? Most divorces are settled out of court—quicker, cheaper, and way less stressful.
Divorce falls into two categories: Uncontested and contested
The main difference between contested and uncontested divorce is the level of agreement between spouses on how to settle the terms of their divorce.
An UNCONTESTED DIVORCE is when spouses agree on ALL terms of a divorce. (IE how to divide money and property, share debt, care for children)
A CONTESTED DIVORCE is when spouses disagree on divorce terms, requiring a judge to make the final decisions through the court process.
Pros of uncontested divorce
- More Power – you & your spouse hold the power
- More Control – YOU are the decision makers
- Quicker – move through the process on your own timeline, not the court’s
- Cheaper – more money stays with you & your family
- Less Stressful – less fighting & more problem-solving
3 reasons to choose a contested divorce
Uncontested divorce is clearly the way to go, but it doesn’t work for everyone, so take a peek at these reasons you might want (or need) to choose a contested divorce
- An unreasonable or abusive spouse – Negotiation requires two willing parties; if your spouse isn’t genuinely engaging or is actively intimidating or harming you, it’s time to take action. When compromises aren’t met, move the case to court to keep the divorce progressing.
- lssues with identifying or dividing marital assets – You can’t reach a fair agreement with a partner who’s hiding assets or being dishonest, and it’s tough to finalize anything if you can’t agree on how to divide what you’ve built together.
- Issues with child custody or support – When it comes to your children, some compromises just aren’t possible. Litigation may be necessary.
Next steps and support
Reach out to one of our professionals to explore your options .
Schedule a consult with a lawyer. Make sure to READ THIS FIRST!
Lean on family and friends for support, and take care of yourself.