An uncontested divorce can significantly minimize the emotional strain and financial burden on the involved parties. Such kind of divorce moves more quickly and more smoothly than contested divorces. If you and your spouse are pursuing an uncontested divorce, one of the issues you must settle is child custody. A Tacoma Uncontested Divorce Lawyer can walk you through your options and help you reach an agreement that can work for both parties. Keep reading to know how you and your spouse can handle custody when you opt to divorce without contention:
You Should Agree on All Matters
An uncontested divorce means that all aspects of the divorce should be uncontested. Thus, you and your spouse should agree on all matters that pertain to child custody including physical custody arrangements, child support payments, shared custody schedule, visitation rights, legal custody, and others. When you cannot agree on even one matter, uncontested divorce is not possible for your situation. But, you can opt for arbitration or mediation to settle your differences instead of going to court. Then, once you have reached an agreement, you can file an uncontested divorce later.
You May Need to File Additional Paperwork
Although it is easier to file an uncontested divorce than dragging it through the court, a divorce that involves children takes more time and effort. You may have to file extra paperwork when you submit for an uncontested divorce to make sure all matters that pertain to child custody and support are properly handled.
You must outline the details regarding the living situation of your child going forward and complete a parenting plan. Also, you must calculate the child support amount you can demand from the non-custodial parent. An experienced divorce attorney can handle the additional final properly and fill out forms completely.
You Must Get the Approval of a Judge
Although you and your spouse agree on all matters, your divorce settlement and final divorce must be approved by a judge before its finalization. But, often, a judge will only intervene in the arrangements you agreed upon when the settlement is not fair to one party or certain arrangements are not in the best interest of your children.
Benefits for Your Children
Uncontested divorce also benefits your children. A long, drawn-out divorce fraught with fights and disagreements is emotionally taxing and stressful for children. Thus, children benefit from a divorce process where their parents can negotiate and handle matters calmly and maturely. If you and your spouse decide to part ways without fighting, your children don’t need to feel they have to choose sides.
