What is the difference between divorce, uncontested divorce, dissolution, and annulment?
Divorce is the process of terminating the marriage and begins like all lawsuits; one party files a complaint (the plaintiff) against their spouse (the defendant). When the complaint is filed the case is assigned to a judge and magistrate. The defendant typically files an answer and counterclaim against the plaintiff. This is a contested divorce. This process takes the longest and may cost the client more in attorney fees. When there are issues that cannot be decided or agreed upon by the parties the Court will make the decisions. Uncontested Divorce is a no fault termination of the marriage and the parties agree on all issues related to the ending of their marriage. This means all disputes between the husband and wife were resolved outside of the courtroom. Like the divorce action the plaintiff files a complaint but because it is uncontested the defendant does not file an answer. The court sets a hearing date 28 days after the filing of the complaint. An uncontested divorce is also use
