Residents in Tennessee and Kentucky can file for one of two different types of divorce. With contested divorce, the couple splitting up cannot agree to terms therefore go to trial. The 12 different grounds for contested divorce include adultery, habitual drunkenness or drug use, impotency or sterility, bigamy or conviction of a felony.
Uncontested divorce technically means that you have filed for divorce and your spouse has opted not to fight or contest. But it’s generally understood that uncontested divorce means that the couple mutually agrees to split apart on good terms. If you plan to go this direction you can go with the no-fault grounds of irreconcilable differences for divorce.
There will be a fair amount to paperwork to get the ball rolling. Look here to see the forms that will need to be filled out in Tennessee and Kentucky. Couples can start the process on their own, or get lawyers involved early on.
Either way, there are several advantages to filing for uncontested divorce.
It’s better for the kids.
Parents splitting up are often an earth-shattering event for kids. While perhaps they didn’t realize it was a loveless marriage, they are used to having two parents under one roof. Kids will often pick up the tone of the divorce and respond accordingly – parents should treat each other with respect and take pains to assure the kids that each parent will remain an active part of their lives. It will help make the transition smoother for them.
It’s cheaper.
While a responsible lawyer will resist running up the bill, they are much busier if the spouses are bickering about this and that. Work out as many of the details as possible before the divorce agreement is drawn up. This will save you time and legal fees. With a new second residence to be bought or rented, it’s smart to save money for this new two-household reality.
It’s as unique as you.
You can craft a divorce agreement any way you want to as long as there is agreement between the spouses. This includes custody arrangements, the division of assets, alimony, payment of debts incurred during the marriage, or anything else.
It’s less stressful.
Looking after the kids’ well-being is important during divorce, but it’s also important for you to take care of yourself. It’s a huge shift in lifestyle and that will make most anyone nervous. By keeping things civil, the blood pressure down stays down.
There are plenty of examples of “do-it-yourself divorce” that can be found online, but it’s a classic example of “you get what you pay for.” Each party should hire an attorney experienced in family law. They should understand the tone of the separation and be able to maintain a constructive working relationship with both client and colleague. It’s their job to look after your best interests and to make sure the divorce contract is legal and binding as well as fair.