By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 13, 2022
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The divorce, or martial dissolution, the process will vary depending on your state and the specific situation between you and your ex. The proper legal advice can only come from an experienced family law attorney or a divorce attorney who listens to your situation's specifics.
Divorcing couples should expect to come to a fair and equitable settlement agreement no matter what divorce option they use. However, there are many ways to get from A to Z in a divorce.
In this article, we provide resources to learn more and easy-to-understand definitions for all types of divorce.
An uncontested divorce means both spouses want the divorce and can reach a settlement on all issues on their own or with the help of a mediator. These couples do not have irreconcilable differences. However, even if the divorce is uncontested, you will still need to file for divorce in court. These divorces do tend to be simpler and more amicable.
Some states regulate when an uncontested divorce applies, but generally, you and your spouse can't have:
A divorce that starts amicably can quickly become "contested" when the two people cannot agree on terms. To solve the problem, you will need to choose the right next option for you.
You can go to court (litigation), seek mediation or other dispute resolution (read more below), or continue negotiations until you and your ex can agree.
There are no states that require a spouse to show the other spouse is "at fault" before they can get a divorce. Some states still recognize grounds for a fault divorce, but they are becoming less common in most states.
Every state allows no-fault divorces, so your spouse cannot deny you a divorce. The decision can be made unilaterally. However, the court may require you to live separately or meet other conditions before they will grant a divorce.
Mediation uses a neutral third-party mediator to help both sides talk through divorce issues. If both spouses agree on how to split marital assets, parenting time, what to do with the house, and other items, you can often dispute in court. However, no divorce will allow you to avoid the court system altogether. In all states, a judge needs to approve the agreement, but they typically won't try to change the agreement or force you to argue terms in court.
Choosing to use mediation does not sign your rights away to go to court. It can be a great place to start — some jurisdictions even require it — and if you cannot find an agreement during the mediation process, you can still pursue other options.
Litigation is the legal term for going to court. Even if your divorce case seems amicable, you should always be prepared that litigation is a possibility. It is also good to have litigation in your back pocket even if you start with mediation or another option.
Overall, litigation means your attorney is ready to fight for what you want. They will take your case in front of a judge, present evidence, and appeal to the judge on your behalf.
In a collaborative divorce, the parties and their attorneys agree that if they cannot reach a settlement on all issues, the parties have to find new lawyers before going to court. This ensures everyone is totally committed to an out-of-court settlement without the option of court hanging overhead.
Collaborative divorce is known to be a more gentle form of divorce and is especially helpful in cases involving parents who must continue to work together as they raise their children. The well-being of the parties, and their children, remains at the center of the process.
Arbitration is similar to mediation in that it is an out-of-court process that involves a neutral third party. The main difference is that the third party, the arbitrator, actually renders a decision, which is either binding or non-binding. Arbitration is much less common in family law matters than it is in other types of civil matters.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is the term that is used to describe out-of-court settlement options, including using mediation, arbitration, or collaborative family law.
Often called unbundled legal services, limited-scope legal representation means you pick and choose the divorce services you want from an attorney. Some lawyers offer "unbundled" services where you can choose to pay a flat fee for things like the drafting of a divorce decree, filing paperwork with the court, or appearing in court with you. You would need to handle the rest of the tasks in the divorce process yourself.
This is often a less expensive way to get an attorney's help with your divorce. Ask your attorney in advance if this is an option since some firms only offer traditional representation.
A true do-it-yourself divorce, or "self-help divorce," means you will research, fill out the forms, and gather relevant evidence all on your own. All jurisdictions will let you file for divorce and represent yourself in court from beginning to end, though it is often not recommended.
This process is time-consuming and risky if you miss a step or make a mistake. But, if you feel you have a firm grasp of divorce settlements in your state, it can save you money.
A DIY divorce is becoming more popular for divorce cases, though many married couples still decide to work with a lawyer in at least some capacity. A hybrid approach lets you handle as much of the process on your own, and have an attorney step in when needed or for court dates.
Children in your divorce will complicate matters and increase the stakes. You will need to come up with (and agree on) a custody arrangement and parenting plan.
Your income will be scrutinized to see how much child support you need to pay or receive. However, in most states, the amount is determined by a formula.
Judges take divorce with minor children very seriously, so seeking legal counsel at some point in the process is advised. A family court will always put your children's needs first, and the court has the ultimate say in what is in your children's best interests. In many cases, it's the issue of child custody that becomes the most disputed and requires court intervention.
You and your spouse can negotiate spousal support and try to come to an agreement on your own. If you cannot agree, your state may have laws on the amount one spouse can be expected to pay, but in most states, it's up to the judge's discretion. It is common for exes not to agree on financial decisions, which is where a divorce lawyer, mediator, or judge may need to step in.
A legal separation means a couple is separated but still legally married. Some couples choose to legally separate on a temporary basis, while others use it as a long-term solution. It can be an alternative to divorce for people whose religions or personal beliefs do not allow for divorce.
The court needs to sign off a legal separation, which determines the rights and duties of each party. The court can order (or the parties can agree to) child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and property division as part of a legal separation, similar to a divorce.
This option grew in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has existed for years for military members, overseas residents, and other unique circumstances.
In some states, you need to appear in person to sign paperwork and handle a divorce. But most states offer eSigning or allow your divorce lawyer to act as your proxy. Divorce proceedings can feel mostly normal with video or phone communications, and electronic methods to sign and transfer documents.
Seeking an annulment will dissolve the marriage only if it meets the requirements for your state. Annulments are rare, but they can happen if you married someone that was mentally ill at the time, or for fraud, or a number of other reasons.
The divorce options on this page can feel like a lot of information with small differences. It is essential to understand that the best option for you will depend on your family's needs, your assets, and the relationship you have (or will have) with your ex-spouse.
This chart can help you understand which option could be right for you:
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| Resolve Divorce Quickly | Fight for Your Side |
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An attorney can answer your questions and advise on the right option for you. There are many factors to consider, and divorce cases can abruptly change during the process.
Educate yourself on your options, and consider the ways an attorney can help guide you
Contact a qualified divorce attorney to make sure your rights are protected.
Get tailored divorce advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.