This is the next post in our series of articles about uncontested divorces in Arkansas. In the last post we discussed the eligibility requirements for parties seeking an uncontested divorce, including residency, separation, and grounds for ending the marriage. We also discussed the requirement that the parties be in complete agreement on all of the terms to be recorded in the settlement agreement. If the parties do not agree on all issues, then they must go through the contested process instead. In this post, we will discuss the benefits and consequences of seeking a stipulated resolution. An attorney can help you to determine if this is the best option for you. If you are considering a divorce, please contact our office today to speak with a Little Rock lawyer.
Arkansas residents often seek an uncontested divorce because the process is quick and inexpensive
Divorce can be stressful and overwhelming. Contested divorces can take months and sometimes years to resolve. In addition to the stress and time involved, parties can incur thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars in legal fees during the process. Fortunately, Arkansas offers an uncontested divorce option for those who qualify, which can be obtained quickly and can be much less expensive than a contested divorce. For those couples who have decided to end their marriage and who can completely agree on all of the terms of the divorce settlement, an uncontested divorce is an extremely attractive option. Moving forward with your lives more quickly can help families adjust to their new routines without the ongoing emotional stress caused by a lengthy, drawn out legal battle. The time and money saved may even prevent a family’s financial ruin.
Decisions made in Little Rock uncontested divorce can be permanent with long-lasting consequences
Despite the obvious benefits of an uncontested divorce, you must be careful not to sacrifice your legal rights for the sake of a speedy conclusion or a less expensive solution. The settlement agreement required by the Court is a legally binding document and in many cases cannot be modified. It will set forth the terms of the parties’ division of marital property, division of debts, child custody, child support, visitation and alimony. Each of these issues requires careful consideration and should not be agreed to simply to achieve a quick divorce. For example, a hasty agreement on child visitation schedules may save time and stress up front, but will have long-term impacts on you and your family. Financial decisions, such as an agreement to pay an exorbitant amount of alimony can also be permanent. If your financial situation changes in the future, the settlement agreement would still be binding and could lead to disastrous consequences. For these reasons, it is essential to know your rights before agreeing to binding terms in a settlement agreement.
If you are considering ending your marriage and need assistance, contact our office today to speak with a Little Rock uncontested divorce lawyer. Our attorneys can evaluate your legal rights and help you decide if an uncontested divorce is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We also handle matters in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff and throughout the rest of Arkansas.