The Divorce Spectrum: Uncontested, Lightly Contested, and Fully Contested

The Divorce Spectrum: Uncontested, Lightly Contested, and Fully Contested

Divorce doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing legal battle. You may not agree on every issue—but if you're mostly on the same page, there's a path forward that doesn't require expensive attorneys, courtroom drama, or dragging things out for months.

That middle ground? It’s more common than you think—and Divorce.com is built to help you navigate it.

Uncontested Divorce: Fast, Cooperative, and Cost-Effective

What it is:
You and your spouse are fully aligned—on custody, finances, property, support. No big disagreements.

Why it works:

• It’s fast—often finalized within 30 days in some states.

• It’s affordable—only court fees and filing costs, especially with our DIY Paperwork or We File for You packages.

• It’s drama-free—no hearings, no arguments, no extra stress.

When it's right:
You’re transparent about finances, agree on how to handle kids or assets, and are ready to move on. You can complete a marital settlement agreement together.

How it works:
You complete and file the appropriate forms (petition, summons, affidavits, agreement). One spouse files, the other signs or waives service. The court reviews and finalizes.

Where Divorce.com fits:
Our DIY Paperwork and We File for You options walk you through every step, with guidance to avoid delays, rejections, or missed forms. You stay in control—and out of court.

Lightly Contested Divorce: The Overlooked Middle Ground

What it is:
You agree on most things—say 8 out of 10 issues—but need help resolving the last few sticking points.

Why it matters:
You’re close. With just a little support—from a mediator or short legal consult—you can avoid a full-scale legal fight and still get a fair, comprehensive outcome.

When it's right:
You disagree on things like support terms, asset splits, or a parenting schedule—but want to keep things amicable and cost-conscious.

How it works:

• Start with Divorce.com’s guided online forms to document the parts you do agree on.

• Use a few hours of mediation or legal review to handle what’s left.

• Finalize the agreement and file your divorce as an uncontested case.
  
  

Where Divorce.com fits:
Our Mediation + Fully Guided Divorce package is designed exactly for these cases. You get personal guidance, four mediation sessions, and full court filing support—without losing control or overspending.

Contested Divorce: When You Need a Lawyer

What it is:
You and your spouse disagree on core issues—and aren’t able to find resolution without legal intervention.

Why it’s different:
These cases usually involve serious conflict—like parenting disputes, hidden assets, or high-stakes financial decisions—and require formal legal representation.

What to expect:

• Higher costs: $10,000 or more, depending on complexity.

• Longer timelines: often 6 months to over a year.

• Multiple steps: discovery, hearings, trial prep, formal filings.

Where Divorce.com fits:
While we aren’t built for high-conflict court battles, we do offer limited-scope attorney support and can help with parts of the process—like paperwork prep, legal check-ins, and filing. For the rest, you’ll want a trusted attorney on your side.

How to Tell Where You Stand

If you’re 100% aligned:
Use our DIY or We File for You tools. You’ll save money and skip court entirely.

If you’re mostly aligned:
Use our Mediation + Fully Guided Divorce to close the gaps and file smoothly.

If you're in major disagreement:
Explore attorney options, but know we can still support limited elements.

No matter where you land, Divorce.com gives you options built for clarity, simplicity, and control.

Why Lightly Contested Deserves More Attention

Most couples aren’t totally aligned or completely at odds. They’re almost there—and that’s a powerful position to be in.

• You can compromise without conflict.

• You can save money, time, and emotional energy.

• You stay in charge of the outcome.

• You don’t have to escalate just because you disagree.

Our Tools, Built for Every Situation

Online Uncontested Divorce
✔ For couples with full agreement
✔ Guided forms, filing support, and peace of mind

Mediation + Fully Guided Divorce
✔ For “almost there” couples
✔ Four mediation sessions, expert support, full filing

When You Don’t Need a Lawyer

• You agree on most issues

• You want to avoid the cost and pressure of litigation

• You’d rather build solutions than battle in court

• You want a faster, simpler path to finalization

Divorce.com exists to serve exactly these cases—with product options designed to protect you financially, legally, and emotionally.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be in total agreement—or at a total standoff.
There’s a middle path. It’s lighter, more affordable, and more respectful.
And Divorce.com was built to make that path easier to take.

Let us help you avoid unnecessary battles, reduce financial strain, and reach a healthier outcome—on your terms.

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