Divorce is different for every California family, but you may be concerned about how the end of your marriage will affect your children. Fortunately, a lengthy and contentious divorce process is not the only option for you. It might be appropriate for you to file for an uncontested divorce.
Uncontested divorce means that there are no remaining disputes between the two parties. This typically means the divorce process will be more streamlined and take less time to complete, but there are certain considerations for uncontested divorces that involve minor children. With guidance and thoughtful consideration of the needs of your kids, you can still seek an uncontested divorce if you have kids.
The elements of a strong custody order
The foundation of any custody order is the protection of the best interests of the children above all else. If you and your spouse want to move forward with an uncontested divorce, this means you are in agreement on all issues related to child custody and visitation, including the following:
- Division of parental responsibilities, including legal custody
- Weekend visitation and holiday visitation
- Where the kids will go to school
- How parents will share and split parenting time
These are just some of the issues you and the other parent will have to address in a parenting plan and custody order. Even in an uncontested divorce, there are additional filings you will have to make regarding child custody.
One of the main reasons why people choose to file for an uncontested divorce is the savings that it can provide. This process takes less time and does not involve litigation, therefore costing much less than a traditional divorce. However, parents must take care not to leave out important details in their custody agreements in order to save time and money. This can lead to the chance of disputes in the future.
Protecting your children above all else
As a parent, your main priority during your divorce is the security and well-being of your kids. It is possible to have a strong and sustainable parenting and custody plan in an uncontested divorce, but it is beneficial to have guidance as you consider your specific arrangement.
Regardless of where you are in the divorce process, it might be helpful to seek an evaluation of your case. This can help you understand more about what to expect from an uncontested divorce and how you can shield your parental rights during this process.
