THE LAW OFFICE OF JEFFREY R. SPORT
Divorce
According to the CDC, there is an average of 785,000 divorces per year. Anyone undergoing the process of a divorce is more than a statistic, including you.
If you are considering a divorce, the concept, and the options available, are overwhelming. However, whether you are seeking a contested or uncontested divorce, the divorce process in Alabama is different compared to other areas of the country. While much of the law is complicated, the differences between a contested and uncontested divorce are remarkably simple.
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce is when you nor your spouse can agree on the terms of the divorce, such as child custody, spousal support or division of assets. Sometimes a spouse even disagrees with the divorce itself. A contested divorce is obviously the trickier type of divorce to navigate, but also the more common.
When undergoing a contested divorce, legal experts do not recommend representing yourself. By representing yourself, the court expects you to know the law and its complexities. Instead of pursuing self-representation, you should hire a lawyer. A lawyer will be an unbiased party, separated from the emotional turmoil of a contested divorce.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is when both you and your spouse agree on everything, such as the terms of the divorce and the split of assets. However, you should not represent yourself, nor forgo legal counsel completely. Both parties should hire a lawyer to ensure that the process is completed properly, as well as to provide an unbiased party if any issues were to arise.
Most of the time, an uncontested divorce is more likely to be processed quickly by the judicial system, as well as be less of a mental and financial burden. Uncontested divorces are usually settled outside of the court, as well. However, this does not mean that an uncontested divorce is easy. For example, an uncontested divorce can quickly become contested. If a disagreement arises, divorce mediation is a great option, because it allows both spouses to come together and discuss solutions without litigation.
Regardless of which divorce you and your spouse pursue, it is essential to remember that a divorce serves to reach an agreement that benefits both parties. If you are searching for a lawyer that will best serve your interests, reach out to the law office of Jeffrey R. Sport.