You and your spouse both want a divorce. You both want to avoid court. And ideally? You’d love to file uncontested.
But here’s the catch: you don’t agree on everything.
Maybe you’re on the same page about ending the marriage but stuck when it comes to splitting the car, the house, or the holiday schedule with the kids.
So… does that mean uncontested divorce is off the table?
Not necessarily.
Let’s break down what uncontested divorce really means—and what your options are if you’re close, but not quite there.
What Counts as “Uncontested,” Anyway?
In Georgia, an uncontested divorce means that both spouses agree on every key issue, including:
- Division of property and debts
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support
- Alimony (also known as spousal support)
The court doesn’t want to referee your personal matters. If you can sort it all out and put it in writing, the judge’s job becomes simple: review, approve, and finalize.
But what if one or two topics are still up in the air?
Almost There? Mediation Might Be Your Bridge
If you’re stuck on a few points but willing to talk them out, mediation can help you reach full agreement.
Think of mediation as a guided conversation with a neutral third party—someone who can help both sides find a workable solution without going to war in court.
It’s private, quicker than litigation, and a lot less expensive than hiring two attorneys to argue in front of a judge.
The Perks of Finalizing Uncontested
Even if you have to put in some effort to get to full agreement, it’s often worth it. Why?
📌 Cost savings – Fewer billable hours = less stress on your wallet.
📌 Faster results – Most uncontested divorces can be finalized in just over 30 days once paperwork is signed.
📌 Less conflict – Avoiding the courtroom can help preserve a working relationship—especially important when kids are involved.
📌 More control – You and your spouse decide your outcome, not a stranger in a robe.
When It’s Time to Let Go of “Uncontested”
Sometimes, despite best efforts, agreement just isn’t possible.
And that’s okay. A contested divorce doesn’t mean you failed—it just means you need more structure and legal protections to move forward.
Still, starting with the intention of filing uncontested helps narrow down the real issues, which saves time and sets the tone for a more civil process overall.
How an Attorney Can Help—Even if You’re Almost Agreed
If you’re 80–90% in agreement, it may be tempting to try DIY forms or online templates. But in Georgia, county-specific rules, legal phrasing, and missing caveats can turn small mistakes into big delays—or worse.
A family law attorney like Catherine Verdery Ryan can:
- Identify the exact areas that need work
- Offer solutions that keep your divorce on the uncontested track
- Draft clear, customized agreements
- Help you avoid fraud charges or unenforceable terms
You may never even need to set foot in court.
Ready to Wrap It Up Without the Drama?
You’re not alone if your uncontested divorce feels “almost, but not quite.”
Let’s help you get it across the finish line—with peace, privacy, and protection.
📞 Contact Catherine Verdery Ryan, Attorney at Law, today to learn how we can help you file uncontested—even if you’ve still got a few details to sort out.
Visit our website to get started.