Before getting started on a no contest divorce, there are a few issues that must be considered first. These are discussed at length below and should help you to decide if this type of divorce is appropriate for you.

Divorce is extremely stressful and getting a no contest divorce will place a great demand on both of you to be able to put aside the bad emotions and interact together in a way that is purposeful and cooperative.

To start with, a no contest divorce occurs when a couple manages their divorce without using the court system to settle their differences. If minor children are involved and if there are sizable assets at stake, it may be a good idea to consult with a lawyer to help you navigate through these complexities. An oversight or mistake on your part can affect the rest of your life.

The benefits of the no contest divorce are:

1.) It’s a low cost divorce.

2.) Reduction of the stress of divorce.

3.) You will part with your spouse without an escalation of conflict. This means less residual anger between you. Less anger means better overall emotional and physical well being.

4.) A speedier divorce. Not contesting issues by taking them to court will save a great deal of time.

For a no contest divorce to make sense, both you and your spouse have to agree for the most part on the issues of your divorce such as the division of your debts and assets, alimony, child custody and visitation rights, etc. Although you may not agree on all of these issues at the start, you will have to be able to negotiate and eventually come to an agreement.

This will require that both of you have a strong desire to end the marriage in the quickest and most cost effective way possible. You will have to be completely transparent to the other about the income and assets that you do have. You will need to stay in control at all times and not allow emotions to get in the way of your objective. The ability to communicate amicably with the other will be essential. If you do need some help with the negotiations, try using the services of a third party mediator.

If your marriage has had a history of domestic violence or abuse that is physical, sexual, or emotional, a no contest divorce will most likely not work out. The issues behind the abuse have not gone away and the restraint and control needed for the negotiations to succeed will be next to impossible. The victim especially, will need a lawyer.