The Different Types of Divorce: Understanding Your Legal Options
Not every marriage leads to a happily ever after. According to LinkedIn, the divorce rate for college graduates is lower compared to non-graduates. If your marriage is about to end in divorce, you should know your legal options. Let’s discuss the available divorce options in this article.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce would be a good outcome for you and your former spouse. To reach this type of agreement, you and your former partner need to settle every matter related to your marriage without involving a third party. The two of you must agree on everything, including custody arrangements, child support, and property division. Uncontested divorces keep matters simple, and they allow both parties to move on from the marriage faster.
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce is when there’s at least one issue that you and your former spouse cannot resolve. The issue could be related to custody, finances, or even the divorce itself. Going through a contested divorce is not easy. Arguing continuously with your former spouse can be stressful, and you cannot underestimate how much divorce proceedings can take over your life. Even your child’s life may be disrupted by an acrimonious divorce like this. Court trials will likely be needed to sort out contested divorces.
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorces are similar to contested divorces in that both parties have yet to reach a consensus regarding all matters related to their marriage. However, both parties have agreed to continue talking and negotiating until a resolution is found. Both sides will also bring in lawyers to handle the negotiations. If the original lawyers cannot make a deal, then new lawyers will be brought in and the matter will be taken to court.
Mediated Divorce
Last up, we have the mediated divorce. During mediated divorce proceedings, both parties agree to hire a neutral mediator. The mediator’s job is to advise both sides until the two sides can reach an agreement. Ultimately, the two parties getting divorced will still be the ones to decide what the terms of the agreement will be.
The end of a marriage can be a difficult time for anyone. However, you can make the divorce process more manageable by understanding your legal options. Feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a mediator who can help with your divorce proceedings.