Divorce is common in the U.S., with 6.2 divorces per 1,000 people. However, not every divorce turns into a courtroom showdown. That’s good news for couples in Fort Bend County who want to split on civil terms. But is an uncontested divorce right for your situation?
Many people assume that agreeing to divorce is enough. It’s not. A true uncontested divorce requires full agreement on everything—from property to parenting plans. And even then, it must still meet Texas legal standards to be approved.
This article helps Fort Bend residents decide when to simplify the process—and when it’s smarter to get legal support. We’ll walk through the basics, compare contested and uncontested divorce, and explain when you should call a uncontested divorce lawyer.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce means both spouses:
- Agree to end the marriage
- Agree on how to divide assets and debts
- Agree on custody, visitation, and support (if children are involved)
Once both parties sign the agreement, it’s submitted to the court for approval. No trial. No fighting in front of a judge. It’s often faster, cheaper, and less stressful.
But if there’s even one issue you don’t agree on—custody, the house, retirement accounts—you’ll need to file a contested divorce instead.
Why Fort Bend Couples Choose Uncontested Divorce
Fort Bend County has one of the busiest family court dockets in the region. That means:
- Long wait times for court hearings
- Rising court fees for extended litigation
- Limited courtroom availability for trials
An uncontested divorce helps you avoid those delays. If you and your spouse are willing to cooperate, you could finalize your divorce in about 60–90 days, depending on the court’s schedule.
When Is It the Right Move?
An uncontested divorce works best when:
- You don’t share complex assets like businesses or multiple properties
- There’s no disagreement about parenting time or child support
- You’ve already separated and agreed on how to move forward
- Both parties are honest about finances and debts
- You want to avoid unnecessary court battles
Even then, it’s smart to have a divorce attorney look over your paperwork. One error—or one vague clause—can lead to future problems.
When to Avoid an Uncontested Divorce
You shouldn’t file uncontested if:
- You suspect your spouse is hiding assets
- One person feels pressured to agree just to “get it over with”
- There’s a history of emotional or financial control
- You have children and can’t fully agree on parenting terms
- You’re unsure about your legal rights
In those cases, a contested divorce—though slower—protects your interests. A judge can issue fair orders after hearing both sides. You don’t want to sign away property, parental rights, or support without understanding the long-term consequences.
What About Legal Fees?
Uncontested divorces usually cost less than contested ones. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid hiring a lawyer. Uncontested divorce lawyers in Fort Bend County can:
- Review your agreement to make sure it’s enforceable
- Draft clear terms for child custody, support, and asset division
- File the correct documents in the right court
- Help you avoid delays, rejections, or surprise legal fees later
Think of it as preventive legal care—it saves you more than it costs.
What the Court Still Requires
Even in uncontested divorces cases, Fort Bend County courts require:
- A 60-day waiting period from the filing date (with some exceptions)
- Signed and notarized divorce forms
- A parenting plan (if applicable)
- Proof that both parties were informed and agreed freely
If anything is missing or unclear, the judge can reject your case. Then you’re back to square one. That’s why many couples still hire a divorce attorney to make sure nothing is skipped.
Let Daniel Ogbeide Law Handle Your Uncontested Divorce Cases
Even the most cooperative divorces need legal guidance. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, our uncontested divorce lawyers in Fort Bend County help residents handle uncontested divorces the right way—by avoiding court delays, filing the right documents, and protecting your future.
If you’re ready to simplify the process while staying protected, schedule your consultation today. Contact us now and we’ll help you file smart, not fast.