Once you and/or your spouse decide to divorce, you will determine whether it is contested or uncontested in how you work together. It is generally in your best interests to strive for an uncontested divorce, as this will save you time and money. An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on all the terms of the dissolution: property division, spousal support, child support and child custody. If you and your spouse can agree on the terms of your divorce, you can write up a divorce agreement on your own and present it to a judge. A contested divorce means you cannot work together and will need a judge to intervene. A lawyer can help you achieve an uncontested divorce. With help from a Folsom divorce attorney, you may be able to create a plan with your spouse that works for both of you. In most cases, a judge will sign off on the plan a couple creates, as long as it is legal and reasonable. Otherwise, the case will go to a judge to decide. An uncontested divorce saves time by allowing you to avoid going to court. If you have to go before a judge, you may have to wait weeks or months until your scheduled hearing. Then, you and your spouse will have to go up against each other during a trial. An uncontested divorce can also save you money by eliminating court costs and legal fees. The first step in achieving an uncontested divorce is working with your spouse to determine what you do and do not agree upon. In some cases, compromising on the terms of a divorce will be easy. Most couples, however, need a type of alternative dispute resolution to successfully compromise on the terms of the split. Mediation, for example, is a meeting with you, your spouse, your lawyers and a third-party mediator. The mediator will help you compromise with your spouse but will not have any say in the results of the meeting. Mediation or arbitration can increase the chances of achieving an uncontested divorce. It can provide an opportunity to work through important issues with your spouse with help from a mediator and family law attorneys. Enter into mediation with an open mind for the best odds of success. Hire a divorce mediation lawyer to clear up miscommunications and facilitate productive conversations. Do your best to save your family time, money and stress by avoiding a contested divorce and working with your ex-spouse to achieve an uncontested one.