Can You Settle A Divorce That Starts Out Contested?

Data from the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics (SCHS) shows that approximately 550 divorces are finalized in Union County alone each year. Most people going through a divorce want to find a way to get to a low-conflict, amicable solution.

Of course, not all divorces start out that way. You and your spouse may have deep disagreements. The good news is that a divorce settlement may still be possible even if you start off far apart. In this article, our Monroe divorce lawyers explain the key things to understand about switching a contested divorce to a settlement and uncontested divorce in North Carolina.

Know the Difference: Contested Divorce vs. Uncontested Divorce

To start, it is important to understand the legal difference between a contested divorce and an uncontested divorce in North Carolina. A contested divorce is one in which the couple is filing a lawsuit to ask the court to decide on one or more relevant matters, such as property division, spousal support, or child custody/child visitation. In contrast, an uncontested divorce is one in which the couple is able to reach a settlement on their own or they have no issues to decide.

You are Not Stuck on One Path: A Contested Divorce Can Switch

In North Carolina, a divorce that starts out as a contested divorce can become an uncontested divorce. Indeed, this happens in a significant number of divorce cases. A divorcing couple that does not start out on the same page may still be able to reach a settlement—especially with help from an experienced attorney. Even a relatively high conflict divorce can still be resolved without the court making the ultimate decisions. You and your spouse have the right to settlement right until the moment that the court renders a final decision.

Get Help From a Divorce Attorney in Union County

At Plyler, Long & Corigliano, LLP, our North Carolina divorce lawyers provide pragmatic, forward-looking legal guidance and support. If you are negotiating a divorce settlement in Union County, North Carolina, an experienced family law attorney can help to make sure that your rights and interests are protected and that the process does not get derailed or bogged down in serious conflict. Call us at 704-289-2519 or send us a direct message for a confidential case review. From our Monroe law office, we provide contested and uncontested divorce representation in Union County and throughout the wider area.