Uncontested vs. Contested divorce: Pros & Cons
When starting the divorce process, it's important to understand the difference between an uncontested divorce and a contested divorce — especially if you’re considering filing for divorce online in New York.
An uncontested divorce is when both spouses fully agree on all aspects of their separation. This includes the division of property and debts, child custody and visitation (if applicable), child support, and spousal support (alimony – 10+ years, yearly income…). Because there are no unresolved issues, an uncontested divorce is often the fastest, most affordable, and least stressful way to legally end a marriage. Many people choose online uncontested divorce services for this reason, especially when looking for a simplified and court-free experience.
A contested divorce, on the other hand, happens when the spouses disagree on one or more key issues. These cases typically require legal representation, court hearings, and sometimes a trial — which makes the process longer, more expensive, and emotionally draining. The court will ultimately decide how to divide property, assign custody, and resolve financial support.
If you're looking for a quick divorce online and both parties are in full agreement, an uncontested divorce is likely your best option. It allows you to move forward peacefully while saving time and legal costs.
Feature | Texas Uncontested Divorce (Online) | Texas Contested Divorce (Traditional) |
Court Hearings Required | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Time to Finalize | ⏱️ 61 day* | ⏱️ 6–12+ months |
Average Cost | 💵 ~$600 total (read more) | 💵 $5,000–$15,000+ |
Emotional Stress | 😊 Minimal | 😟 High |
Legal Support Needed | 🚫 No lawyer needed | ✅ Lawyer typically required |
Document Preparation | ✅ Included in fee | ❌ Billed hourly or separately |
*Time depends on your prompt completion of all required forms and document authorization, as well as the time the court takes to review and finalize the case. While we prepare and file all documents efficiently, the overall timeline is also influenced by the court's internal processing speed, case backlog, and judge availability. Most uncontested cases are resolved within 61 days, but this can vary slightly depending on the specific county or state where the divorce is filed.
💡 With our service, clients only need to:
- Find out if you qualify for our services (read more)
- Initiate the divorce process by opening an Online Divorce Case ID (read more)
- Pay Documents drafting fees (read more)
- Complete a detailed questionnaire (read more)
- Notarize & file the divorce documents to the court
Related Articles
Understanding uncontested divorce
Going through a divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging, but understanding the type of divorce you are pursuing can make a significant difference. In this guide, we focus on uncontested divorce, a streamlined legal process where both ...
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce is a legal process where both spouses agree on all aspects of their separation, including property division, child custody, and financial matters. This type of divorce is typically faster, less expensive, and less stressful ...
Prequalification for New York Divorce Online
We understand that navigating divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure if you meet the legal requirements to proceed online. That’s why we’ve developed a user-friendly Initial Qualification Questionnaire available right on our ...
Why some clients ARE NOT eligible for Online Divorce
Online divorce offers a streamlined and affordable way to end a marriage—when the conditions are right. Our service is designed specifically for couples who meet a certain legal and procedural framework, and while we aim to make divorce more ...
What makes Our Divorce Drafting different from DIY Templates?
When facing a divorce, many people turn to free or low-cost templates they find online. At first glance, these DIY kits may seem like a fast, inexpensive way to move forward. But when it comes to legal documents—especially something as significant as ...