No matter how long you have been married, filing for divorce is always a tough decision. Expectedly, there are legal issues to sort with your spouse, and you would want to do that as amicably as possible. Like many states, Iowa allows for no-fault divorces. This essentially means that you don’t need to blame your spouse or have reasons like cruelty or adultery to get the divorce in Waterloo. You and your spouse can say that the marriage is irreparable, and that’s enough. However, it is imperative that you hire a reliable family lawyer waterloo for your case. In this post, let’s discuss contested and uncontested divorces in Iowa.
What’s an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce, as the name indicates, is when both parties manage to resolve critical issues without the need for a judge. As the first step, you should meet a divorce lawyer, who will explain your rights and how the process will work. In some cases, mediation may help in resolving certain issues. Once you file the divorce paperwork with the filing fee, the documents are served to your spouse, and you will get a case number. There is a waiting period of 90 days in Iowa, which is the minimum time required for an uncontested divorce.
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What’s a contested divorce?
If you and your spouse are fighting over things like child custody, assets, or alimony, or when your spouse refuses to cooperate, you will have a contested divorce. Such divorces are often complex and take much longer, and it is even more important to seek legal help. The process starts similarly, where you file the paperwork and serve the papers to your spouse. Next, you will have to proceed with the legal hearings and motions. The court will make a decision on the matters of disagreement, and if you disagree with the outcome, you can file an appeal.
What’s ideal?
There’s no one answer to that. Just like two marriages, two divorces are never the same. Ideally, an uncontested divorce is always more desirable because the time required is much less. Also, you don’t have to spend as much. The longer you drag a contested divorce, the more you pay your family attorney. If possible, consider the option of mediation and try to resolve things without getting the judge involved. Of course, circumstances may dictate your decisions.
Check online to find top-rated divorce lawyers in Waterloo, and schedule an appointment today.
