What is the process for uncontested divorce?
Transcript
Hi, welcome, everybody! I’m AJ Grossman, a divorce lawyer, certified family mediator, and dispute resolution specialist with Leap Frog Divorce.
One of the questions I get asked a lot is, “What’s the process for an uncontested divorce?”
Let’s start by defining what an uncontested divorce is and then walk through the process.
Defining an Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is a divorce in which both spouses have agreed on how to resolve all the issues in their case. In other words, there’s nothing left for a judge to decide.
The process begins with completing the appropriate paperwork.
Documents Needed for an Uncontested Divorce
You’ll need a petition and a set of additional documents. You can often obtain these forms online or from the clerk of court, sometimes for a small fee depending on the court.
The paperwork documents the agreements you and your spouse have reached. You’ll also need to complete financial affidavits and address mandatory financial disclosure requirements. Depending on your circumstances and the applicable rules, you may be able to waive certain disclosure requirements.
Overall, the process can be relatively straightforward when you and your spouse agree on everything.
You generally need to demonstrate to the court that your marriage is irretrievably broken and that you’ve resolved the issues in your divorce.
Can a Divorce Lawyer Help With an Uncontested Divorce?
Absolutely! You can hire a divorce lawyer by the hour or arrange for help with specific parts of the process, depending on the work you need done.
For example, you could approach a divorce lawyer like me and say, “I’ve got an uncontested divorce. Can you prepare all the paperwork for me?”
A lawyer can help prepare the necessary documents, leaving you to file them with the clerk and handle any required final hearing, if appropriate.
I help many people with this type of arrangement.
Others come to me with a simple divorce in which they agree on everything but have a few questions. In those situations, we can schedule a strategy session to discuss their concerns and help them understand their rights under Florida law.
You don’t necessarily need to hire a lawyer to handle every part of your divorce to benefit from legal guidance.
Filing for an Uncontested Divorce
Once you’ve completed the necessary paperwork, the next step is to file it with the clerk of court.
Depending on your circumstances and the court’s requirements, you may or may not need to attend a final hearing. Once all requirements have been satisfied and the judge enters the final judgment, your divorce is finalized.
Conclusion: The Uncontested Divorce Process
So, what’s the process for an uncontested divorce?
It’s generally straightforward when both spouses agree on everything. You complete the required paperwork, file it with the court, attend a final hearing if necessary, and obtain your final judgment.
If you have questions about the process or need help understanding your options, a divorce lawyer can help you determine the level of assistance you need.
I hope this information was helpful! Again, I’m AJ Grossman with Leap Frog Divorce.
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