The end of a marriage rarely takes on the magical sheen of the beginning of a relationship, but a divorce does not need to become an ugly chapter in your life. If you and your spouse can agree on several issues after a separation period, you may be able to file for an uncontested divorce.
A Gastonia uncontested divorce lawyer could guide you through the process of amicably dissolving the marriage and meeting the relevant legal requirements. A compassionate divorce attorney could also help you negotiate with your spouse to ensure that the uncontested divorce process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Many portray divorce as a conflict between two individuals, with each expressing heightened emotions toward the other. Disputes over property, finances, and child custody often arise when one spouse contests the terms of the separation.
However, divorce can also proceed uncontested—legal professionals commonly refer to this as an absolute divorce. Instead of fostering conflict, an uncontested divorce provides a collaborative approach to ending the relationship and resolving issues amicably.
To file for an uncontested divorce, the filing party must meet several requirements. These include:
An attorney could ensure that each of these requirements are met before filing for an uncontested divorce in Gastonia, as well as prepare the necessary paperwork accompanying a filing.
Even in an uncontested divorce, legal guidance remains essential. A divorce attorney can ensure the filing party meets all legal requirements and that the divorce takes effect through proper court procedures.
For example, an attorney can confirm whether the separation period has lasted at least one year and identify any factors that may require a longer separation. An attorney can also verify that the residency requirement will be satisfied at the time of filing.
On a more technical level, a Gastonia attorney could draft and file the paperwork needed to file an uncontested divorce action, including the complaint, cover sheet, and service of papers on the other spouse if not already waived.
The assistance of an attorney could also be crucial for ensuring that every potential issue is agreed upon before filing. If there are disagreements about dividing up property and assets or about how a child should be cared for after the divorce, then an initially collaborative process can turn into a contested one with added stress, costs, and delays.
Seeking an uncontested divorce is a way to avoid the nastiness usually associated with the ending of a relationship, but it is a legal process involving a court filing. With the aid of a Gastonia uncontested divorce lawyer, you can approach divorce with an eye toward resolving any issues with your spouse fairly and reasonably.
Working with an attorney could also relieve some of the emotional pressure that divorce can bring, even if uncontested. To learn more about your specific case, contact the Law Offices of Regina M. Taylor to schedule a consultation.
