Westford Uncontested Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Lawyer in Middlesex County, MA

Uncontested divorce is a way to dissolve a marriage without litigation. It can be a more cost-effective and less stressful way to end a marriage. It is also usually a quicker process than a contested divorce. The Lowell uncontested divorce attorneys at Ryder & Phelps can provide you with the legal guidance necessary to complete the process.

Call (978) 381-1660 or contact us online to get started with a consultation with our experienced Westford uncontested divorce lawyers.

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, the spouses agree on every aspect of the marital dissolution. They agree on how to divide assets, debts, and property. They also agree on spousal support, child support, and child custody. The court will review the settlement agreement drafted by the spouses and their attorneys. If the judge approves the agreement, he or she will issue a divorce decree.

Uncontested divorce is not an option for all couples. It is only appropriate if:

• The spouses agree on all issues.
• The spouses have been married for fewer than five years.
• The spouses do not have any children together.
• The spouses do not own any real estate together.
• The spouses do not have any retirement benefits.
• The spouses have a combined total of less than $25,000 in assets.
• The spouses have a combined total of less than $25,000 in debts.
• Neither spouse is seeking spousal support.

How to Get an Uncontested Divorce in Massachusetts

There are several steps to getting an uncontested divorce in Massachusetts. It is highly recommended to hire a divorce lawyer to help you through the process.

Here is an overview of the uncontested divorce process:

1. Complete the necessary divorce papers. You will need to complete a Divorce Summons and a Complaint for Divorce to initiate the divorce. You will also need to complete a Financial Statement Short Form or Financial Statement Long Form.
2. File the divorce papers with the court. You will need to file the divorce papers with the appropriate court. You will need to pay a filing fee at this time unless you qualify for a fee waiver.
3. Have your spouse served. You will need to have a third party serve your spouse with a copy of the divorce papers. The server will need to complete an Affidavit of Service to confirm that your spouse has been served.
4. Wait for your spouse's response. Your spouse will have 20 days to respond to the divorce papers. If your spouse does not respond, you can request a default judgment.
5. Complete the necessary divorce forms. You will need to complete a Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown of the Marriage and a Affidavit of Care and Custody of Children Under 18 Years of Age if you have children. You will also need to complete a Joint Petition for Divorce and a Separation Agreement. If you and your spouse agree on all issues, you can complete a Joint Petition for Divorce. If you do not agree on all issues, you will need to complete a Complaint for Divorce.
6. Attend the divorce hearing. The judge will review your divorce papers and ask you questions. The judge will then issue a divorce decree.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Massachusetts?

Uncontested divorce is a much quicker process than contested divorce. However, the length of time it takes to get an uncontested divorce in Massachusetts will depend on several factors.

Here are a few factors that can impact the length of time it takes to get an uncontested divorce:

• How long it takes to complete the divorce papers. You will need to complete several divorce forms. It can take time to gather all the necessary information and complete the forms.
• How long it takes to have your spouse served. You will need to have a third party serve your spouse with a copy of the divorce papers. If you do not know where your spouse is, it can take time to find him or her.
• How long it takes to get a hearing date. The judge will need to schedule a hearing. The length of time it takes to get a hearing date will depend on the court's schedule.
• How long it takes for the judge to issue a divorce decree. The judge will review your divorce papers. If the judge approves your divorce papers, he or she will issue a divorce decree. The judge may need to review other cases before reviewing your divorce papers.

How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Massachusetts?

Uncontested divorce is usually a more cost-effective way to end a marriage than a contested divorce. However, the cost of an uncontested divorce in Massachusetts will depend on several factors.

Here are a few factors that can impact the cost of an uncontested divorce:

• Whether you hire a divorce lawyer. If you hire a divorce lawyer, you will need to pay for his or her legal fees. You will also need to pay for any court fees.
• How long it takes to complete the divorce papers. You will need to complete several divorce forms. If you hire a divorce lawyer, he or she can help you complete the forms. You may also need to pay for any court fees.
• Whether you and your spouse agree on all issues. You and your spouse will need to agree on how to divide assets, debts, and property. You will also need to agree on spousal support, child support, and child custody.

Uncontested Divorce vs. Contested Divorce

Uncontested divorce is a more cost-effective, less stressful, and quicker way to end a marriage than a contested divorce. However, it is not an option for all couples.

Here are a few differences between uncontested and contested divorce:

• Spouses must agree on all issues. Uncontested divorce is only an option if the spouses agree on how to divide assets, debts, and property. They must also agree on spousal support, child support, and child custody.
• Uncontested divorce is usually a quicker process. Uncontested divorce is usually a quicker process than contested divorce. However, the length of time it takes to get an uncontested divorce will depend on several factors.
• Uncontested divorce is usually a more cost-effective option. Uncontested divorce is usually a more cost-effective way to end a marriage than contested divorce. However, the cost of an uncontested divorce will depend on several factors.

How to File for an Uncontested Divorce in Massachusetts

Uncontested divorce is a more cost-effective and less stressful way to end a marriage than a contested divorce. However, it is not an option for all couples. The spouses must agree on how to divide assets, debts, and property. They must also agree on spousal support, child support, and child custody. The court will review the settlement agreement drafted by the spouses and their attorneys. If the judge approves the agreement, he or she will issue a divorce decree.

Our experienced Westford uncontested divorce attorneys can guide you through the process from start to finish. We can help you:

• Complete the necessary divorce papers
• File the divorce papers with the court
• Have your spouse served
• Wait for your spouse's response
• Complete the necessary divorce forms
• Attend the divorce hearing

Call (978) 381-1660 or contact us online to get started with a consultation with our experienced Westford uncontested divorce lawyers.