Contested v. Uncontested Divorces in Texas

December 4, 2018

A contested divorce is one in which the parties cannot agree on either getting a divorce or about the specific terms of the divorce, such as child support payments, property or asset division, debt allocation, and custody arrangements. Conversely, an uncontested divorce is one in which the parties agree on all aspects of the divorce proceedings and do not need court intervention to help finalize the terms.

Uncontested divorces tend to flow more smoothly through the court system because they are less time consuming, less complicated, and less expensive than a contested divorce. Even if your divorce proceedings start off as contested, many of them often end up in settlement before the final trial date. This is partly due to mediation or some other form of alternative resolution dispute, where couples can compromise on the terms of their divorce. These settlement agreements are legally binding and enforceable, bringing finality and relief to a once disputed matter.

Working amicably toward an agreement with your spouse is likely best for all involved; however, this goal is too often forgotten. Therefore, making compromise a priority in your divorce proceedings can save you from the financially, time-consuming headache in the future.