Owensboro Uncontested Divorce Attorneys

Serving Clients in Henderson, Madisonville & Western Kentucky

When you and your spouse have agreed to end your marriage and both of you are on the same page about moving forward, you may have the opportunity to file for an uncontested divorce. As the name suggests, an uncontested divorce is one where there are no disputes about the major issues that must be resolved to finalize the divorce. These issues include alimony, property division, child custody, and child support.

At Bamberger & Brancato, PSC, our Owensboro uncontested divorce attorneys have helped many couples reach an amicable settlement and finalize their divorce in a timely and cost-effective manner. We understand that divorce is a highly personal and emotional matter, and we are committed to guiding you through the process with compassion and care.

For the qualified legal guidance you need to handle an uncontested divorce, call (270) 926-5050 or contact us online today.

How to File for an Uncontested Divorce in Kentucky

While an uncontested divorce is generally a simpler process than a contested divorce, you must still meet certain requirements and follow specific steps to file. Our uncontested divorce lawyers in Owensboro can help you understand these requirements and guide you through the process from start to finish.

The following is a step-by-step guide to filing for an uncontested divorce in Kentucky:

1. Meet the Residency Requirements - In order to file for an uncontested divorce in Kentucky, you or your spouse must be a resident of the state for at least six months. You must also be a resident of the county in which you are filing for at least three months.

2. Prepare the Divorce Petition - The person initiating the divorce, known as the petitioner, must draft a divorce petition. This legal document will outline the grounds for divorce, which can either be no-fault or fault-based. In a no-fault divorce, you are claiming that your marriage is irretrievably broken. In a fault-based divorce, you are claiming that your spouse did something wrong that led to the breakdown of the marriage, such as adultery or domestic violence.

The divorce petition must contain the following information:

• Full legal name of both spouses
• Date and location of the marriage
• Reason for the divorce
• Whether you are seeking alimony
• Whether you share children with your spouse

3. File the Petition with the Court - Once the divorce petition is complete, the petitioner must file it with the appropriate court. The petitioner will be asked to pay a filing fee, which varies by county.

4. Serve Your Spouse - After the petition has been filed, the other spouse, known as the respondent, must be served with the divorce papers. This can be done by a sheriff or process server. The respondent will be given a certain amount of time to respond to the petition. If the respondent does not respond, the court will likely grant a default judgment in favor of the petitioner.

5. Negotiate the Terms of the Divorce - Once both spouses have filed the necessary paperwork, they can begin negotiating the terms of the divorce. If they are on the same page about all major issues, they can move forward with an uncontested divorce. If there are still disputes about any of the issues, they may need to go to court and have a judge decide.

6. Submit a Settlement Agreement - If the spouses are able to reach an agreement, they can draft a settlement agreement that outlines the terms of their divorce. This document will address property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. It must be signed by both spouses and submitted to the court for approval.

7. Attend a Hearing - Once the settlement agreement has been approved, the spouses will be granted a final hearing. They must appear in court to answer a few questions about the agreement. After the hearing, the judge will sign the divorce decree and the divorce will be finalized.

8. Finalize the Divorce - After the hearing, the judge will sign the divorce decree and the divorce will be finalized. The spouses will receive a copy of the decree in the mail. The divorce is not final until the decree has been signed.

While this is a general overview of the uncontested divorce process, it is important to remember that every case is unique. If you are considering filing for an uncontested divorce, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.

What Are the Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce?

Uncontested divorces are typically less stressful and time-consuming than contested divorces. They also tend to be less expensive because they do not require litigation. When you and your spouse can agree on all of the major issues, you can save a significant amount of time, money, and emotional energy.

Additionally, uncontested divorces are often more private than contested divorces. When you and your spouse can negotiate the terms of your divorce, you can keep those negotiations confidential and out of the courtroom.

Other benefits of uncontested divorces include:

• Greater control over the outcome of your divorce
• Less contentious relationship with your ex-spouse
• Ability to move forward with your life more quickly

Why You Need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce

While it is possible to file for an uncontested divorce without legal representation, it is not recommended. Even if you and your spouse are on good terms and can agree on all of the major issues, you still need an attorney to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

At Bamberger & Brancato, PSC, our uncontested divorce lawyers in Owensboro are well-versed in Kentucky's divorce laws. We can help you understand your rights and options and ensure that your best interests are represented every step of the way.

Our uncontested divorce attorneys in Owensboro will:

• Help you gather the necessary paperwork
• Answer your questions and address your concerns
• Review the settlement agreement
• Ensure that the agreement is fair and enforceable
• Prepare you for the final hearing
• Represent you in court

When you choose Bamberger & Brancato, PSC, you can trust that your case is in good hands. We are committed to providing exceptional legal services and personalized attention to each and every client we serve. As your legal advocates, we will do everything we can to make the divorce process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

For the qualified legal guidance you need to handle an uncontested divorce, call (270) 926-5050 or contact us online today.