Denton County Uncontested Divorce Lawyers
Helping You Get a Quick Divorce Without Compromising Your Rights
Not all divorces are ugly, or have to take a long time. In fact, it’s not even a requirement that you have to disagree.
An uncontested divorce occurs when a couple decides to call it quits without fighting over any of the terms. This type of divorce saves time and money—and it is especially popular among those who haven’t been married very long. However, like many things at the end of a marriage, just because you can go without representation here, doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
Here’s how uncontested divorce works in Texas, and how North Texas Family Lawyers can still help you—even if you and your partner agree.
To schedule a consultation, call a Denton County uncontested divorce lawyer at (972) 402-6367 or contact us online today!
WHO SHOULD GET AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE
Even in healthy relationships, couples disagree. They argue about mundane things like mowing the lawn, loading the dishwasher, and whose turn it is to pick up dinner. So you can imagine what happens when you throw in important issues like property division and children.
This is why uncontested divorces aren’t as common as the contested variety (meaning a divorce in which spouses disagree on various aspects of their split). This is also why these types of dissolutions generally work best for couples who haven’t been married very long. Shorter marriages haven’t had time to accumulate much property, debt, or even children. Meaning, even if you don’t like each other, you can’t fight, because there’s nothing to fight over.
Hence, uncontested divorce is most likely when property is limited and you have no children. Still, it’s extremely important to meet with an uncontested divorce attorney in order to make sure your interests are being properly represented.
HOW TO GET AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE
If you feel your situation falls within an acceptable range of agreeability, here’s how to go about executing an uncontested divorce in Texas.
1. Meet the Residency Requirements
Regardless of what type of divorce you choose, any couple wishing to file for divorce in Texas will need to meet both the state and county residency requirements.
According to the Texas Family Code, at least one member of the duo needs to have lived in the state for six months prior to filing. On the county level, the requirement is ninety days.
2. Collect a Petition
A divorce can’t be initiated without a petition. This document signifies to the court that you wish to dissolve your marriage contract, and requests that the court return with a final order. It is the act that formally begins your legal breakup.
A form for an Original Petition for Divorce can be collected at your county clerk’s office (located in the county where you reside).
In a contested scenario, it can be extremely beneficial to be the first one to file for divorce. In an uncontested divorce (where there is no disagreement), it doesn’t matter as much, so long as one of you initiates with a petition.
3. Sign and Return Your Petition
Your divorce petition will ask for the names and contact information for both you and your spouse. It will also ask for details regarding:
- Meeting your residency requirements;
- Your marriage and separation dates;
- Any children you have together;
- Any current pregnancies;
- The property and debt you have accumulated;
- How much discovery you think you’ll need;
- Whether you think your spouse will respond to proper service;
- What grounds you have for divorce (including fault);
- Any current or pending protective orders; and
- An opportunity to request a waiver of your waiting period.
On your petition, you can also indicate whether you’d like the court to change your name (an option typically utilized by women reverting back to their maiden name).
Once you have completed the necessary information, you will then need to sign and return your petition to the clerk, along with your filing fee. This amount varies by county, but typically runs between $250 and $300.
4. Execute Proper Service
Even though your divorce is uncontested, you will still need to formally notify your spouse that you’ve initiated proceedings. This is called “service,” and it is done by delivering physical copies of your divorce papers to your spouse.
For service to be proper, your server must:
- Be older than 18;
- Not be a party to the case;
- Complete service within 21 days; and,
- Fill out a Proof of Service form and return it to you for filing.
Generally, it isn’t too difficult to execute proper service in an uncontested divorce, since both parties are willing participants in the split.
5. The Waiting Period
While you and your spouse might agree about the terms of your divorce, Texas courts still are not allowed to hear your case any sooner than 60 days after filing. These 2 months are a mandatory waiting period, and are designed to give couples the opportunity to reconcile.
The only time courts are willing to waive this requirement is in cases of domestic violence (in which case you should probably not be getting an uncontested divorce, since Texas courts allow fault-based divorces).
6. Attend Your Hearing
After your 2 months are up, it’s time to attend your hearing, which is usually scheduled when you file your petition. In uncontested cases, this hearing is more of a formality than anything else. Typically, it doesn’t take very long.
At this meeting, the judge will review your petition and will likely ask questions to make sure both you and your spouse understand that the divorce is uncontested. If the judge is satisfied with your answers and paperwork, your settlement will be signed into order.
7. File the Final Decree with the Clerk
After your hearing, be sure to file your order with the county clerk, as the terms of your settlement aren’t technically finalized (or enforceable) until you do.
Once the clerk has processed your signed order, you and your spouse will receive a certified copy of your decree for your personal records. After that?
Congratulations, your divorce is complete.
To schedule a consultation, call a Denton County uncontested divorce lawyer at (972) 402-6367 or contact us online today!
Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce
Choosing to pursue an uncontested divorce can offer several benefits for both parties involved. Some of the advantages of an uncontested divorce include:
- Cost savings: Uncontested divorces typically cost less in legal fees and court costs compared to contested divorces.
- Quicker resolution: Since both parties agree on the terms of the divorce, the process can be completed more efficiently, saving time and reducing stress.
- Less conflict: By avoiding courtroom battles, uncontested divorces can help minimize conflict and promote a more amicable separation.
- Privacy: Uncontested divorces are often handled outside of the courtroom, offering more privacy for the parties involved.
Our experienced Denton County uncontested divorce lawyers can guide you through the process and help you understand the benefits of pursuing an uncontested divorce. Contact North Texas Family Lawyers today to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving a quick and peaceful divorce.
Do You Need an Attorney to Get an Uncontested Divorce?
While no one is ever required to have a lawyer, having one is always better than not—even in an uncontested divorce.
Too often we see couples who think they’re in agreement, only to get neck deep into their divorce and realize they aren’t nearly as aligned, after all. This area of law is complicated and nuanced, and without proper representation, it’s too easy to make expensive and irreversible errors.
That’s why it’s so crucial to talk to a Denton County uncontested divorce attorney. An experienced legal professional will be able to highlight potential red flags in your contract and allow you to address these issues before filing with the court (where it might be too late to undo). You can find peace of mind knowing your long-term interests are being protected, making legal representation well worth the investment.
Our Denton County Uncontested Divorce Lawyers Can Help
With little fighting or fanfare, it’s easy to see why uncontested divorce is such an attractive prospect to couples. However, despite its benefits, it’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone.
If you and your partner are thinking about an uncontested divorce, we want to hear from you. Call (972) 402-6367 or contact a Denton County uncontested divorce attorney online.