What characterizes an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce is characterized by both spouses reaching an agreement on all terms of the divorce. This includes the division of property, child custody, visitation, child support, and any other pertinent issues. The advantage of an uncontested divorce lies in its ability to streamline the process, avoiding the need for court battles, which can be time-consuming and costly. Because both parties are in agreement, it typically results in a faster resolution and can reduce emotional stress for both spouses.

While the other options touch on various aspects of divorce proceedings, they do not accurately define an uncontested divorce. For instance, a spouse filing for divorce without the other knowing does not represent cooperation and agreement. The presence or absence of attorneys can influence the process but does not determine whether a divorce is contested or uncontested. Lastly, the presence or absence of financial assets does not inherently categorize a divorce as uncontested, as couples can have significant disagreements even with minimal assets. Therefore, the essence of an uncontested divorce lies in the mutual agreement on all aspects of the divorce.