When you know that it’s time to end your marriage, the thought of going through a complicated divorce process may seem overwhelming. While you may have come to a point where you no longer wish to be married, this process doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for an uncontested divorce.
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
Many people picture divorces as a contentious process where expensive legal teams fight over any number of issues until one or the other side comes out victorious. This doesn’t have to be your reality. If you and your spouse can agree on a majority of issues — such as asset and liability division, child custody arrangements, and any support payments — you may be able to file for an uncontested divorce.
The Benefits of Uncontested Divorce
There are a number of benefits of uncontested divorces, but the primary ones are that they are cheaper and faster than a traditional, or contested, divorce. According to Forbes, an average divorce can cost as much as $50,000, which is cash that most couples don’t have lying around. An uncontested divorce is much more affordable because you won’t have lengthy court battles over various issues.
This type of divorce is also a faster way to officially end your marriage. In general, a contested divorce could take nine months or more, while an uncontested divorce has a 90-day waiting period if you have minor children (subject to waiver) or just a 10-day waiting period if there are no children.
Uncontested divorces are also more equal and amicable for everyone involved. Divorces are emotional matters, so keeping as much conflict as possible out of the process will be helpful to you, your spouse, and your children.
The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself or Paralegal Divorce
Do-it-yourself and paralegal-assisted divorces may seem like viable options, but they are not the best choices for divorce services. Paralegals only fill out the paperwork on your behalf and file it. They follow your directions and are not permitted to give legal advice, meaning that it is your sole responsibility to understand your rights and the consequences of everything you sign.
Attorney Representation for Your Divorce
A much better choice is to use an attorney for your uncontested divorce who can provide legal guidance and word to expedite your case. When you hire an attorney to represent your interests, you can get the benefit of a fast and affordable divorce as well as one that fully respects your rights. Your attorney will advise you on all legal issues relevant to your divorce including child custody, child support, alimony, and asset/liability division. While one attorney can draft the paperwork for each spouse in a divorce, it’s generally a good idea for each party to have their own attorney to avoid any conflicts.
Petition for Divorce in Oklahoma
At MicroDivorce your attorney prepare a Petition for Divorce and a Divorce Report that lets you know what information will be in your Decree, which is the final document in the case. Once you approve your Petition and Divorce Report your attorney will also prepare a Decree of Divorce that is ready for signature by the judge. Depending on whether or not you have minor children, there may be other paperwork and requirements.
Provided everything is in order at the final hearing, the judge will sign the decree, and you will be officially divorced. You may have other questions about divorce in Oklahoma, which one of our attorneys will be happy to explain further during a consultation.
MicroDivorce offers a fast, easy, and affordable uncontested divorce service. Find out now if you qualify.