Serving Clients in Knox, Blount, Anderson, Loudon, Sevier & Roane Counties
divorce lawyers serving Knoxville, TN
Uncontested Divorce Held in Respect. Held in Trust.

Uncontested Divorce Lawyers in Knoxville

Divorce doesn’t have to be a long, grueling, costly, and conflict-ridden process. If you and your spouse have discussed your divorce already and are willing to work through this process cooperatively, congratulations! You have just saved yourselves a ton in attorney’s fees. “Lightly Contested” and “Agreed Divorces” are less expensive options for divorcing couples that can still effectively work together to get the job done.

For personalized information regarding your uncontested divorce, contact Held Law Firm by dialing (865) 685-4780 today.

How to Qualify for an Uncontested Divorce

1. Agree on everything (agreed divorce) or almost everything (lightly contested), including:

  • Property division (how to split your assets and debts)
  • Parenting plan (who and when each party gets the kids and child support, if applicable)
  • Alimony (ongoing support after the divorce is over)

2. Work together to find an agreement.

You will need to be on good terms and have good communication skills with each other. Ideally, you won’t hate each other, fight, or engage in other disruptive behavior because this conflict impedes your ability to come to an agreement.

3. Have separate lawyers.

Held Law Firm would only represent one of the parties. We cannot represent both parties because we would not be able to advocate or give separate legal advice. We can communicate with the other party about non-legal matters (letting them know of hearings, answering factual questions about the process, etc.).

4. Be willing to sign the final paperwork.

Parties may meet and sign the paperwork together or, alternatively, come into the office to meet separately with us.

Can Your Divorce Be Low Cost?

Want to know if your divorce could be considered agreed or lightly contested? Answer each question below to the best of your ability. You’ll total your score at the end to learn of the likelihood that your divorce could be uncontested.

The Agreed Divorce Process

  1. Parties agree to all terms. Those terms are transmitted into their marital dissolution agreement (MDA) and permanent parenting plan (PPP).
  2. The paperwork (divorce complaint, initial pleadings, MDA, PPP, etc.) is drafted and the client reviews it. The attorney makes any changes necessary.
  3. Parties come to the law firms and sign off on the paperwork.
  4. The paperwork is filed together as one packet with the court.
  5. The filing of the paperwork triggers the 90-day waiting period with the court. We set a hearing 90 days out (60 days if no minor children).
  6. After the 90-day waiting period has passed, the final announcement hearing happens at the court.
  7. The Judge will sign off on the paperwork and pronounce the parties divorced.

The Lightly Contested Divorce Process

  1. Parties agree to most terms. Those terms are transmitted into their MDA and PPP.
  2. Parties continue to work out the terms that they are lacking, OR a proposal is sent to one party for review. The parties can discuss amongst themselves and ask the attorney any questions through the spouse who is the attorney’s client.
  3. We can either: go ahead and file the divorce, which will start the 90-day period, and agree to terms later OR wait until a complete agreement has been reached and file it as an agreed divorce, which would continue with the agreed divorce process.

Questions to Consider

If you’re hoping to reduce the cost of your divorce, it’s important to try to answer the following questions by yourself or with your spouse.

  • How contested do you think the case will be?
  • Does the other party know you are wanting a divorce?
  • Does the other party agree to the divorce?
  • Are you all on good terms? Have you been communicating well?
  • Have you agreed to terms (for example, how you are going to split your property or a parenting schedule)?
  • What kind of assets to you have? Include your house(s), car(s), retirement, and other significant assets.

Understanding Uncontested Divorce in Knoxville: Local Insights and Resources

Knoxville, nestled in the heart of East Tennessee, offers a unique blend of urban and rural living, which can influence the dynamics of an uncontested divorce. Residents here often value community and family ties, making amicable resolutions particularly important. The Knox County Government provides various resources to assist in the divorce process, including family court services and mediation programs.

One common pain point for Knoxville residents is the division of property, especially when it involves family-owned land or businesses, which are prevalent in this region. Additionally, the proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains means many families have vacation properties or timeshares that must be considered in the divorce settlement.

Another significant concern is the well-being of children. Knoxville's family-friendly environment, with its numerous parks and excellent schools, means that parents are often deeply invested in creating a stable and supportive parenting plan. The Knox County Schools system is critical in these discussions, as parents strive to minimize disruptions to their children's education and social lives.

We understand these local nuances at Held Law Firm and are committed to helping you navigate your uncontested divorce with sensitivity and efficiency. Whether you're dealing with property division, child custody arrangements, or alimony, our team is here to support you every step of the way. We know Knoxville, and we know how to help you achieve a smooth and amicable divorce process.

Call us at (865) 685-4780 to speak to a friendly staff member who will help you get your consultation scheduled!

Commonly Asked Questions

How can Held Law Firm assist with my uncontested divorce in Knoxville?

Held Law Firm can guide you through the uncontested divorce process by helping you and your spouse agree on all terms, drafting necessary documents such as the marital dissolution agreement and permanent parenting plan, and ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly. We represent one party and can communicate with the other on non-legal matters, aiming to make the process as smooth and cost-effective as possible.

What are the main requirements for an uncontested divorce in Knoxville?

To qualify for an uncontested divorce in Knoxville, both parties must agree on key issues such as property division, parenting plans, and alimony. Good communication and a willingness to work together are essential. Each party should have their own attorney, as one firm cannot represent both. Finally, both parties must be willing to sign the final paperwork to finalize the divorce.

What is the difference between an agreed divorce and a lightly contested divorce?

An agreed divorce occurs when both parties are in complete agreement on all terms of the divorce, while a lightly contested divorce involves agreement on most terms with a few issues still to be resolved. Held Law Firm can help facilitate discussions and negotiations to reach a full agreement, whether your divorce is agreed or lightly contested.

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Why Hire held law firm?

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