When a couple decides to file for divorce, there are many issues that must be agreed upon in order to finalize the proceeding. When children are involved, custody and child support must be determined. In the state of Michigan, any material acquired during the marriage will be subject to property division. There is also the matter of spousal support, also known as alimony, to be determined. In short, if a couple can agree upon the terms of all of the aforementioned issues, this would be considered an uncontested divorce.
Why consider an uncontested divorce? Getting divorced can bring out a lot of conflicting emotions during the process. And emotions can lead to a lot of unnecessary fights in a divorce proceeding, leading to pain for both spouses and an expensive legal bill. If both spouses work together and reach an agreement on things such as property division, child and spousal support, custody and visitation, then only the plantiff would need to appear in court to take proofs in the matter in front of the judge. An amicable agreement between parties also helps avoid the uncertainty of having a Judge make decisions regarding the dissolution of your marriage.
However, an attorney can only represent one party and that parties best interests. The other party will read and sign the terms of the parties agreement and not have to appear in court if it is an uncontested divorce.