If you and your spouse fight, or disagree constantly, it may be time to for a divorce. You may have heard of uncontested and contested divorce. What are they and what is the difference between them?
Uncontested divorce
This is the way that most Americans dissolve their marriages. Uncontested divorces are inexpensive and relatively painless. However, they are dependent on a couple being able to cooperate without the assistance of the court. Couples should always attempt to settle their differences through uncontested divorce, if possible. However, even if you believe your marriage will end through an uncontested divorce, you must retain an experienced attorney. Divorces are unpredictable and problems can arise at any moment.
One of the biggest advantages of an uncontested divorce is that it allows a couple to move on with their lives as quickly as possible and without the need for a trial or litigation.
Contested divorce
When people hear the phrase contested divorce they often picture drawn-out courtroom battles where spouses bicker with each other and point fingers. Such situations certainly do occur.
Marriages that end through contested divorce require the assistance of the court to settle disputes about issues like alimony, child custody, visitation rights, and distribution of property and assets. Contested divorces can last weeks, and sometimes even months, and are often fueled by high financial stakes. As a result, it is of the utmost importance that you retain counsel that is both experienced and aggressive.
You’ve got to stop — When Divorce Becomes a Lifestyle
She was a registered nurse and now runs a coupon website. They divorced, and he currently works as a waiter. It should be a short story, but it is not.
Jon and Kate Gosselin have created headlines for the last several years — first as the well-intentioned parents of twins and sextuplets, then as rising television personalities on their own reality television show about their life with eight children. Along the way the paychecks got larger and the strain on their marriage became greater.
In 2009, their decision to split was announced on their television show, and it was followed by divorce and acrimonious claims and accusations that kept the couple in the spotlight. In August 2013, Kate filed a lawsuit in federal court against her ex-husband, making the following claims:
- Jon illegally obtained emails and other information from Kate by hacking into her computer.
- A hard drive was stolen from Kate that was used by Jon in the writing of a book about her.
- The book, cowritten by Jon, was retrieved from publication due to questions concerning the information it contained.
Kate seeks monetary damages due to damage to her reputation. In his response, Jon denies and explains the allegations.
The couple has repeatedly tangled over accusations in the years following their divorce. While Jon states he currently lives without the Internet and television, Kate continues to work to remain relevant in media circles.
It takes two people to marry, but only one to make an unpleasant divorce. And in some cases, both parties keep disputes running long after their divorce is granted.
US Divorce Statistics Show a 35-Year Low
A number of recent studies indicate that divorce rates in the United States are lower than they have been in 35 years. Researchers from the Natural Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University have different theories as to what is causing the rate to decline by so much over the last few years.
The following are some of the most prominent theories:
- Fewer marriages: Some studies have shown that Millennials (people born between 1984 and 2000) are not getting married at the same rates as previous generations — or at least are waiting to get married until they turn older.
- Marrying older: By waiting to marry until they are older, Millennials may be in a better place in life to have a steady marriage than previous generations, who tended to marry when they were much younger.
- Changing gender roles: Generally, women today are no longer expected to be homemakers. Men and women now often share the responsibility of earning salaries to support their homes. This could have an impact on how people see their marriages as well, as there may be less of a financial power dynamic in relationships.
- More cohabitation: More people are choosing to live with their romantic partners, either instead of getting married at all or leading up to their marriages. People who live with their partners before getting married could find themselves better prepared for what married life has in store for them.
Free Consultation with Uncontested and Contested Divorce Lawyer
If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will fight for you.
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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