What is an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce arises when both spouses are able to reach a full agreement on all matters related to the breakdown of their marriage. This includes parenting, child support, spousal support and property division. 

An uncontested divorce typically follows a streamlined legal process, often referred to as a “desk divorce,” where the required documents are prepared, reviewed, and submitted without the need for court appearances. This approach allows parties to move forward with clarity and certainty, minimizing emotional strain and legal expense. 

This means there are no outstanding disputes between the parties, and both are prepared to proceed with ending the marriage on mutually acceptable terms. Because the issues are resolved in advance, an uncontested divorce is generally more efficient, less adversarial, and significantly more cost-effective than a contested divorce, which requires court involvement to resolve disagreements.