Dubuque Uncontested Divorce Attorney
Choose an Amicable Dissolution of Marriage
Our family law attorney Cory Thein can guide you through the process of an uncontested divorce in Dubuque or its surrounding areas. In Iowa, the law recognizes divorce as the dissolution of marriage. If you and your spouse can agree on all issues about your permanent split, you may file for an uncontested divorce. It requires that both of you willfully choose this path. Even the smallest disagreement may result in a contested divorce.
Iowa is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means that you can simply claim the legal ground that your marriage has experienced an irretrievable breakdown. The state law does not require you to go into details.
If you are considering an uncontested divorce, attorney Thein can help you prepare all documents to simplify the process. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and determine whether an uncontested divorce may be a suitable solution for your marriage.
Contact our firm today at (563) 447-9148 to schedule a consultation with our family law attorney in Dubuque to discuss the possibility of an uncontested divorce.
What Is the Uncontested Divorce Process in Iowa?
When filing for divorce, you must meet specific residency requirements. If your spouse lives in a different state, you must have a permanent home in Iowa for at least a year with no intention of leaving the state. If your spouse lives in Iowa, you do not have to reside in Iowa for any specific amount of time, or you could live in another state.
You need to file the divorce petition in the District Court of the county where you or your spouse lives in Iowa. This petition must include legally acceptable grounds.
Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce
While an uncontested divorce does not fit every situation, it can offer a broad range of benefits. It is a more cost-effective process because you minimize the legal fees and reach agreements outside of court. An uncontested divorce is quicker than a contested one.
Pursuing an uncontested divorce can help you keep the process private and prevent arbitrary court decisions about property or debt division, tax issues, spousal support, or possession of the marital home.
Planning is key for a successful uncontested divorce, so you and your spouse reach mutually beneficial agreements on all matters about the end of your marriage. If you both want to pursue an uncontested divorce but find communicating challenging, you may also consider mediation to help you settle your situation outside of court.
Effectively Plan for Your Uncontested Divorce with an Experienced Attorney
Iowa does not legally require you to hire an attorney for your divorce. While an uncontested divorce may look simple enough to handle on your own, professional legal advice can make a positive difference.
When you trust us with your dissolution of marriage, we advocate for your rights and the protection of your assets, so you can more easily move forward with your life after the judge finalizes the divorce. We also ensure that you fill out all paperwork correctly. This helps prevent delays.
If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, we can also evaluate it to see whether it meets all requirements under Iowa law, so a judge can enforce it. Working with a compassionate and knowledgeable family law attorney can alleviate stress and simplify the divorce process.
If you are considering an uncontested divorce in Dubuque or its surrounding areas, contact our firm today at (563) 447-9148 to schedule a consultation!
