Central Valley Family Law Practice

The uncontested divorce process in California tends to be faster and cheaper than the contested cases. By agreeing on the terms of the divorce, you are not forced to live with an arrangement imposed upon by a Judge. Parents who are able to negotiate an uncontested divorce usually maintain a civil relationship after the divorce. This reduced hostility makes it easier for the parents to raise their children together after the divorce. Uncontested divorces are almost always the cheapest way to obtain a divorce.  In contested cases, the details of the parties’ finances and lives must be shared with their attorneys and aired before the Court. In uncontested cases, although the divorce papers are public records, the disclosures and negotiations shared between the parties during their preparation of the agreement are confidential between the parties.

Uncontested divorce works well for parties who are relatively amicable. If you are unable to work with your spouse or reach agreements with him or her, uncontested divorce is likely not for you. An uncontested divorce is not advisable if there is any domestic violence in the marital relationship.

An uncontested divorce is obtained by entering into a binding Agreement with your spouse, and then commencing an action for divorce and filing the Agreement and other Uncontested divorce papers with the Court. Following the commencement of the action, the Agreement is filed with other uncontested divorce papers with the Court. The Judge will sign the divorce without requiring the parties to appear in court. The terms of the parties Agreement will be incorporated in the Judgment of Divorce and will become an Order of the Court.

An uncontested divorce requires that you reach an agreement that addresses all issues that are relevant to the divorce including but not limited to the division of real and personal property, responsibility for debts, child support, custody, visitation, health insurance and tax issues.

If you would like to discuss your matter, please contact our office and we will work with you to give you a better option when going through this difficult time.