What Is an Uncontested Divorce in Michigan?

Divorce can be an emotionally taxing ordeal. However, not all separations are contentious. When a couple can remain on amicable terms, they may be good candidates for filing for an uncontested divorce. This can bring the marriage to an end quicker and with fewer steps. 

The legal team at Alward Fisher wants to help you understand Michigan’s standards for filing an uncontested divorce and how it may be the best option for ending your marriage.

What’s an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce is one where the applicants agree on the terms that must be decided. In most cases, the divorcing spouses do not have to go through the ordeal of appearing at trial to resolve their differences.

With a noncontested divorce, you and your spouse agree on all the legal issues surrounding the dissolution of your marriage, such as:

• The separation of marital property
• Child support
• Child custody
• Alimony
• Responsibility for paying off debts

How Does an Uncontested Divorce Work?

In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse resolve the vital concerns without relying on the court to make a decision. You must each agree on the legal grounds for the termination of your marriage and then work together to resolve how you divide your assets and debts. If you have children, you must also agree on the terms of child custody and related issues.

Although an uncontested divorce is typically conducted on civil terms, it is still in your best interest for each party to retain legal representation. An attorney can protect your rights and help you settle potential legal issues, then draft the terms of your divorce settlement agreement.

Once you and your partner are satisfied with the terms of the divorce and sign all legal documents, a judge will review the final divorce decree. A judge wants to ensure that the agreement is fair and is in the best interests of any children involved. If the terms are appropriate, a judge can approve the divorce agreement.

Advantages of an Uncontested Divorce

One of the main advantages of an uncontested divorce is that you generally do not have to resolve outstanding issues at trial. The bulk of the work is done by you and your partner with help from attorneys, not in court. Uncontested divorces tend to be less contentious and time-consuming for both partners.

An uncontested divorce may also be resolved more quickly than a contested divorce because you are not having to prepare a case for trial or wait for a trial date to be set. It can take a few weeks after the mandatory waiting period for an uncontested divorce to resolve. A contested divorce may take months or years to finalize.

Another benefit to filing an uncontested divorce is the cost. An uncontested divorce is generally less expensive than a contested one.

Contact the Michigan Divorce Lawyers at Alward Fisher to Represent You

The compassionate divorce attorneys at Alward Fisher want to offer you support and valuable legal advice as you navigate the next chapter of your life. Contact our office today to consult with a knowledgeable Michigan divorce attorney for a confidential consultation.