Are there any advantages to a non-contested divorce in Maine?

Yes, a Maine non-contested divorce does have several advantages for the divorcing couple, which can be summed up in three words:

• Time
• Money
• Stress

Time

An uncontested divorce almost always takes less time than a divorce where there is still conflict over issues. The divorce hearing can be scheduled as soon as 60 days after your spouse has been served. When a divorce is not uncontested, especially when the issues revolve around child custody, support or visitation the court may order mediation or evaluations which will slow down the process sometimes for months.

Money

Whenever a legal transaction takes less time it will cost you less money, because your attorney's time and attention is worth money. Couples who divorce having agreed to all the issues in advance will have a more streamlined divorce that should cost each side less money than if negotiations have to include attorneys and the court system.

You should not assume, however, that an uncontested divorce is a do-it-yourself project. Even if you and your spouse are in agreement on the major issues and your marriage did not last long and you don't own property or have lots of debts to be divided you should each still hire an attorney to review the agreement and make sure it says what you are expecting it to say and that your interests are protected.

Stress

When a divorcing couple can agree on how to divide their personal property, and they agree on the terms of the divorce it can reduce the stress involved in the divorce tremendously. While it doesn't erase any grief or hurt, not fighting over the terms of the divorce will make a hard time easier to handle.

Get Legal Help

If you are contemplating divorce, talk to an attorney about your situation. You may discover something that you hadn't thought about before. An attorney can be an invaluable asset in any divorce, even one that is uncontested.