When couples have a simple divorce case and have pre-agreed to all relevant terms for their divorce decree, they can submit for an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce, or no contest divorce, is often a process which a couple can complete without the assistance of a divorce attorney. Once the couple fills out the appropriate divorce forms, they will file them with their respective family courts, wait the appropriate waiting period (these differ by state), and then subject to court approval, the judge will sign the decree and the divorce and terms as specified will become finalized. An uncontested divorce has been an option since California first passed the law approving this format in 1970. Today, every state with the exception of New York has enacted tough uncontested divorce laws, making it easy for individuals to complete this process on their own.