An uncontested dissolution of marriage, where spouses reach a consensus on all matters including asset division, child custody (if applicable), and spousal support, typically involves lower expenses than a contested divorce. Agreements on these issues minimize the need for extensive court proceedings, attorney involvement, and expert witnesses like appraisers or child custody evaluators. This collaborative approach streamlines the process, reducing billable hours and associated costs. For example, couples who mediate their divorce and create a mutually agreeable settlement may only require legal counsel to finalize the paperwork, a considerably less expensive option than litigating disputes.
Reaching mutual agreements offers substantial advantages, both financially and emotionally. Reduced legal fees preserve marital assets for distribution between the parties, minimizing financial strain during an already stressful transition. The collaborative nature of an uncontested process can also lessen conflict and foster a more amicable separation, particularly beneficial when children are involved. Historically, divorce was often a highly adversarial process. The increasing availability of alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation and collaborative law, has provided couples with more control over their divorce proceedings and the potential for substantial cost savings.
