Divorce

Divorce, also known as the dissolution of marriage, is when a marriage is coming to an end. It is unfortunately something many families face today. There are many issues that must be decided during a divorce including division of property, debts, child custody, child support, paternity, and spousal support (alimony).

Contested Versus Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce, also known as a collaborative divorce, is where both spouses are able to reach an agreement on all divorce-related issues without having to go to court. Spouses enter into a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), also known as a separation or property settlement agreement, which is a written agreement that spells out all details related to the marriage, separation, and eventual divorce.

A contested divorce is where spouses can not agree on divorce related issues so issues must be decided in court by a judge. The judge will hear all important arguments and will make his or her decisions based on what is lawful, fair and reasonable. When children are involved, they will determine what is best for the children. Because spouses do not agree on all issues, this divorce process takes much longer and is more costly. As part of this process both spouses may be required to attend Mediation where issues can be negotiated before going to court. Mediation can often decrease the amount of issues that have to be decided by the court and can therefore reduce the time to successfully complete the divorce process.

Get the Answers You Need About Uncontested or Contested Divorce today! Call Carpenter Law PA at 407-343-7737.