When you begin the divorce process, there are two ways to go about it—contested or uncontested. Which kind suits your situation will depend on your individual circumstances and your relationship with your spouse. An uncontested divorce requires you to agree to the divorce and its terms without the intervention of the court, while contested means you disagree on some of the issues—even whether to get divorced at all. In this case, you’re much more likely to need a divorce attorney.

In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse mutually agree upon the division of assets, custody arrangements, the terms of child support, who will take responsibility for any debt, and any other matters which need to be settled to dissolve your marriage. You’ll write these conditions up and present them to the court jointly. This process is usually much quicker than a contested divorce—and also less stressful.

However, before a contested divorce can proceed, you’ll have to either agree to terms or have the court decide them for you. If you and your spouse can’t agree, your divorce attorneys may be able to make an arrangement which you find acceptable. Otherwise, each issue will be presented before a judge, with proposals from both parties regarding its resolution. Whatever the court decides will be legally binding—all the more reason to have a divorce attorney argue your case.

Occasionally, a contested divorce can result in a settlement before the case is heard by the court. You may find it easier to negotiate after some time to think about the issues, or the help of a lawyer may make a critical difference. Either way, the court prefers settlements which you’ve reached without its intervention because it’s more likely you and your spouse will both be satisfied by the terms.

Once the terms of your divorce have been settled, and a judge has approved your petition, your divorce is final. If getting to that point seems like a long journey, a divorce attorney can help. The Law Offices of Charley Johnson in Centerville, TX, provide representation and legal counsel regarding divorce, criminal law, and real estate law. To discuss your case with the firm, call (903) 536-2185, or contact his office online.