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You are here: Families & Children > Divorce, Legal Separation & Annulment > Get a Divorce, Legal Separation, or Annulment > Get Started: How Should You Handle Your Case?
There are different ways to get a divorce, legal separation, or annulment.
Some ways are faster, easier, and cheaper than others. Read this page to figure out the best option for you. Then, choose that option to find help with your case.
You and your spouse or domestic partner agree on all terms of the divorce, have no children, and were married for less than 5 years ...
Your spouse or domestic partner agrees to all terms of your divorce, legal separation, or annulment ...
Your spouse or domestic partner does NOT agree to all terms of your divorce, legal separation, or annulment ...
You and your spouse agree on all terms of the divorce, have no children, and were married or in a domestic partnership for less than 5 years ...
There is a quick, easy way to get divorced called "summary dissolution."
You won't have to talk to a judge and you may not need to hire a lawyer. But remember: it is in your best interest to see a lawyer about ending your marriage or domestic partnership.
You can get a summary dissolution if you and your spouse or domestic partner:
- Have no children together;
- Have been married or in a domestic partnership for less than 5 years;
- Don't own very much;
- Don't owe very much; and
- Have no disagreements about how to divide your belongings and debts once you are no longer together.
If you think you qualify for a summary dissolution, click here.
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Your spouse or domestic partner agrees to all terms of your divorce, legal separation, or annulment ...
If you and your spouse or domestic partner can agree about how to handle money, property, and parenting, you have an "uncontested case." You also have an uncontested case, if your spouse or domestic partner will probably not file any forms in court disagreeing with your requests. If your spouse or domestic partner fails to file a Response in the case (defaults), your case can be completed as an uncontested case even if you and your spouse or domestic partner do not agree on everything.
Most uncontested cases can be handled by mail and brief contacts with a judge. You may not have to see the judge at all.
Click here for a Guide for Uncontested Cases for Divorce, Legal Separation, or Annulment.
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Your spouse or domestic partner does NOT agree to all terms of your divorce, legal separation, or annulment ...
If your spouse or domestic partner files a Response and you and your spouse or domestic partner can't agree on 1 or more issues, then you have a "contested case." You will have to talk to the judge 1 or more times to resolve your disagreements.
If your case starts out or later becomes contested, you may be able to come to an agreement through negotiation, mediation, or some other process. If so, your case then becomes uncontested. If your case becomes uncontested, you can finish your case more quickly and at a lower cost.
Click here for help with a contested case.
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Last modified: 03/17/2008
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