Can Uncontested Divorce Help Us Avoid an Ugly Divorce? 

 Posted on October 14, 2024 in Divorce

It is inevitable that some marriages will not last, and there are many different reasons why couples decide to end their marriages. Sometimes, one spouse does something that causes irreparable damage to their relationship. Perhaps the couple did not work well from the outset, and as time went on, they grew bitter towards each other. Other times, a marriage starts out great, but the couple simply grows apart and falls out of love. 

Whatever the reason, there are also different strategies for couples to use during a divorce. If you still respect your spouse and you are interested in keeping your divorce as civil as possible, ask a knowledgeable Skokie, IL family law attorney whether an uncontested divorce is a good option for you to consider. 

How Does Uncontested Divorce Work?

When two people meet the residency requirements to be eligible for divorce in Illinois and they agree about every major aspect of their divorce, they can file for an uncontested divorce. Their settlement will need to include everything required for a divorce to be finalized, including:

• Parenting time

• Parental responsibilities

• Spousal maintenance

• Child support

• Division of property and assets

• Division of debt

The court will then schedule a hearing to review the couple’s proposed divorce settlement and either reject or approve it. If it is approved, the judge will sign a final judgment on the dissolution of the marriage, and they are officially divorced.

What Are the Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce?

There are several reasons why an uncontested divorce can be beneficial, including:

• It is much quicker. An uncontested divorce can take very little time to finalize. The only significant delay is generally due to waiting for a hearing because of the court’s busy schedule.

• It is much smoother. Since the couple has already discussed how they will address all the aspects of their divorce, there is nothing to figure out or argue over by the time they file for divorce.

• It is much less costly. As a logical result of the first two reasons, the legal fees are considerably lower.

Schedule a Private Consultation with a Chicago, IL Divorce Lawyer

If you and your spouse are looking for a less contentious way to end your marriage, an experienced Cook County, IL family law attorney can review your situation and advise you on whether you should pursue an uncontested divorce. At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we understand that every couple has their own unique background and issues, and we strive to give all our clients personalized guidance and service. Call us at 312-984-1514 to find out more about how we can assist you.