Late last summer, a Canadian couple posted a picture to Facebook that quickly garnered international attention. The photo was a “selfie” of the smiling duo standing outside the Calgary Courts Centre, with a caption that stated they had just filed for divorce. Within days, the post had been shared more than 30,000 times, and countless more since. It also triggered a trend which was quickly dubbed—in true social media fashion—#divorceselfie. According to the couple’s post, their intention was to point out that just because their marriage was ending, their relationship as co-parents and friends would continue, and that amicable or uncontested divorce can be one way to achieve that goal.

What Does Uncontested Divorce Mean?

At the risk of oversimplifying the definition, an uncontested divorce is a marital dissolution that requires no intervention of the court on any inherent issues. Both parties agree to the divorce and to the terms of the presented settlement, allowing the court to enter the divorce judgment quickly and without the need for a trial. As such, compared to litigation, an uncontested divorce is often much faster and costs the couple significantly less.

Not Always Easy

Despite the impression given by a joyful divorce selfie, an uncontested divorce is not without its challenges. The difference, however, is that the process does not play out in the courtroom, with each spouse making claims and allegations against the other. Instead, the spouses must work together on their own time, often with the assistance of individual representation, to reach an agreement regarding the issues inherent to divorce. Make no mistake; there will still be disagreements and probably some fighting, but with a commitment to cooperation, the couple can find a workable resolution without leaving matters up to the court.

Looking Ahead

Negotiating an uncontested divorce can instill a sense of accomplishment in each of the spouses. A strong ability to work together can certainly be beneficial in the future for the couple, particularly if they have children. Each party will be able to use the divorce as an illustration that compromise is possible, and that working together to solve a problem is usually preferable than turning to the court for help. Cooperation between divorced co-parents can also provide a positive example for their children, teaching them that some things in life are more important than “winning” or being “right.”

For more information about uncontested divorce in Illinois, contact an experienced Orland Park divorce attorney at Kezy & Associates. Call 708-518-8200 to schedule a free consultation. We will help you understand your options and work with you in developing a divorce settlement agreement that fully meets your needs.

Sources:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/09/03/couples-smiling-divorce-selfie-goes-viral/71633438/

http://psychcentral.com/lib/helping-kids-cope-with-your-amicable-divorce/