There are two types of divorce in the state of Tennessee: contested and uncontested. Under contested divorce, you may allege wrongdoing against your spouse (or vice versa). This claim – if proven – can be used as the grounds for divorce. Contested divorce can be costly, because it often involves litigation and contention between spouses.
With uncontested divorce, there doesn’t need to be any inappropriate conduct to qualify for divorce. Additionally, eliminating the need for litigation tends to result in lower legal fees. If both you and your spouse agree that you have irreconcilable differences, then the court can grant a divorce on these grounds. If children are involved, avoiding a drawn-out legal battle can also help to create a more amicable continued relationship with your ex.
Why should I hire a lawyer?
It is important to understand that with uncontested divorce, it’s not enough for you and your spouse to agree on getting divorced. You must also agree on all of the issues that go along with divorce – such as alimony, property distribution, child custody and child support. When a couple jointly decides to get divorced, it is uncommon for both parties to automatically agree to all of the finer points noted above. This is one area where a divorce lawyer comes in handy.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights regarding property, children and finances. They can mediate conflicting interests by facilitating negotiation between both parties. This is an important benefit, because it allows you and your spouse to come to agreements without delaying the divorce proceedings. A lawyer can also assist in getting you a fair arrangement with your kids.
While no divorce is ever easy, uncontested divorce – particularly with an experienced attorney on your side – can make for the best possible version of an unpleasant experience.