Austin Family Lawyer

An Uncontested Divorce – Things to Consider

Divorce proceedings have an ugly – and arguably well-deserved – reputation. Few things have as large a potential to turn sour as a contest between separating spouses. Whether the issues at hand are emotional, psychological, financial, or legal, couples often find that divorce proceedings are exhausting, expensive, and embarrassing ordeals. Given the unpleasant nature of a bitter divorce, many couples are choosing to file “uncontested divorces” in the interest of avoiding costly courtroom drama.

So what is an uncontested divorce? Simply put, an uncontested divorce is one in which both parties come to an agreement through calm negotiation rather than heated legal battles. Although a competent divorce lawyer is still a must for an uncontested divorce, usually only one spouse will technically be represented by the attorney. This is to avoid any conflict-of-interest on the part of the attorney, since the law regards all divorce proceedings as adversarial contests between former spouses.

The advantages of an uncontested divorce are attractive. To begin with, uncontested divorces tend to be much cheaper, since they avoid long, drawn out legal battles and can often be concluded very quickly. A “hidden” benefit of an uncontested divorce is privacy. Without public court proceedings, couples can resolve their issues in private, which helps them avoid much of the social stigma associated with getting a divorce.

Unfortunately, uncontested divorces are not right for everyone and depend heavily on the nature of the relationship between the two spouses. For example, if one spouse dominates the other, it is in the best interest of the weaker spouse to hire an attorney to even the “playing field,” so to speak. Other factors to consider are financial obligations – if the couple owns a large amount of joint accounts and loans or other shared assets, it may be difficult for them to work out a satisfactory arrangement on their own. Finally, an uncontested divorce is contingent on communication between the two former spouses. If either party is unwilling to negotiate, the proceedings will fall apart.

As with all issues pertaining to divorce or family law, it is best to consult an attorney before deciding what course of action to take. The Slater & Kennon law firm is able to provide you with the experienced and professional legal counsel that you need. Call 512-472-2431 today to speak with an Austin divorce lawyer about your case.




Centrally located in the Arboretum area of north Austin, the Slater & Kennon law firm represents clients in Travis County, Bastrop County, Burnet County, Williamson County, and Hays County, including the cities of Austin, San Marcos, Bastrop, Burnet, and Georgetown.