In 2020 the U.S. census data statistics reported that about 38 percent of all marriages will end in divorce. With more than one-third of married couples and families ending relationships each year, identifying the four most common types of divorce can help you understand what legal processes are available.

1. Uncontested

If the divorce is amicable and you and your spouse agree on money, property, custody, and child support, choose an uncontested proceeding. Your attorney will write up a settlement agreement, which each party will sign, and then your case will quickly move through the system. You may not even need to appear in court when you get an uncontested divorce Tampa.

2. Simplified

For couples that have been married less than five years and don’t have children or property, a simplified divorce may be the quickest and easiest separation proceeding. Once both parties agree on the terms, they file joint court papers, and the court returns a summary divorce.

3. Contested

When you and your spouse cannot agree about an issue such as money, children or property, seeking a contested divorce is recommended by the courts. Filing disputed legal papers will allow the judge to decide the disputed issues for both parties. This is currently the most common type of divorce proceeding in the United States and takes the longest to settle.

4. Default

Although not as common as the other types of divorces listed above, the default divorce is still a popular means of ending a relationship legally. When one partner cannot find another partner, following specific court rules will allow the judge to grant the filing party a divorce. A serious drawback to this procedure is the loss of rights of the defaulting party. Another disadvantage is that if the defaulting party objects within a set time, the divorce must begin again.

There are other types of divorce actions, but the four listed above are the most common. Before you decide which is best for you, check out the pros and cons of each judgment.