You and your spouse agree it is over. You have even agreed on the house, the cars and the kids. Now you want a flat fee uncontested divorce attorney who will get the paperwork right without billing you by the hour.
That is exactly what we do. A licensed attorney prepares your divorce papers for your state and county at a fixed price. Moreover, you see that price before you pay anything. There are no retainers that run dry and no surprise invoices.
In fact, an uncontested divorce is the fastest and cheapest way to end a marriage in the United States. However, "simple" does not mean "risk-free". A missing form or a vague clause can delay your judgment for months. Therefore, this guide explains how uncontested divorce works, what it costs, and how to finish it quickly in any state.
What counts as an uncontested divorce?
A divorce is uncontested when both spouses agree on every issue. That means property, debts, spousal support, custody, visitation and child support. If you disagree on even one point, the case is contested until you settle it.
Additionally, both spouses must cooperate with the paperwork. One spouse usually files the petition. Then the other spouse signs an acceptance of service, a consent or a joint petition, depending on the state. As a result, there is no need for a sheriff or process server in many cases.
Agreed does not mean informal
Courts still review your agreement. A judge checks that the paperwork is complete and that child support follows state guidelines. Similarly, the judge looks for anything that seems clearly unfair. For instance, a deal where one spouse waives all support with no explanation may draw questions.
That is why your marital settlement agreement matters so much. It turns your handshake deal into enforceable terms. Our Marital Settlement Agreement service drafts that document in plain, precise language.
When uncontested is not the right fit
Sometimes an agreed divorce is not safe. For example, if there is domestic violence, hidden assets or pressure to sign, you need advice first. In those situations, book a contested divorce consultation or read our guide to contested divorce litigation.
How much does a flat fee uncontested divorce cost?
Cost is the main reason people search for a flat fee uncontested divorce attorney. Traditional firms often bill hourly. Consequently, even a cooperative divorce can climb into the thousands once emails, calls and revisions add up.
A fixed-fee model works differently. You pay one price for a defined scope. Our Uncontested Divorce Documents service starts at $149 for the basic package. The standard package tailors every form to your facts. Meanwhile, the premium package adds review by a licensed attorney and extra revisions.
What the price includes
Your package covers the petition or complaint, the settlement agreement, the financial disclosures your state requires and the final judgment or decree forms. It also includes step-by-step filing instructions for your county. Furthermore, you get a clear list of what to sign, where to file and what to expect next.
What the price does not include
Court filing fees are separate. They are paid to the court, not to us. Filing fees vary widely by state and county, so check your local clerk's fee schedule. However, if you cannot afford the fee, most courts offer a fee waiver based on income. We can tell you which form your court uses.
In addition, some situations need more work. A retirement account split, for instance, often needs a QDRO. Likewise, a name change can be added with a name change petition if your state handles it separately.
Step by step: from agreement to final decree
Every state has its own forms. Nevertheless, the path is similar almost everywhere. Here is how an uncontested divorce usually moves.
1. Check residency and grounds
First, confirm you can file in your state. Most states require one spouse to live there for a set period before filing. For example, California generally requires six months in the state, while some states require a year. Next, choose the no-fault ground your state uses, such as "irreconcilable differences" or "irretrievable breakdown".
2. Sign the settlement agreement
Then put your agreement in writing. It should divide every asset and debt, address support and include a parenting plan if you have children. Our parenting plan service covers schedules, holidays, decision-making and relocation rules.
3. File and serve
After that, one spouse files the petition with the county court. The other spouse accepts service or joins the filing. As a result, the case is officially open.
4. Wait out any mandatory period
Many states impose a waiting period. For instance, Texas generally requires 60 days from filing, and California's waiting period runs six months from service. Other states have no waiting period at all. Meanwhile, your file is complete, so nothing else holds you up.
5. Final judgment
Finally, the judge signs the decree. Some states require a short hearing. Others approve agreed divorces on the paperwork alone. Either way, your divorce is final once the judgment is entered.
How fast can an uncontested divorce be finished?
Speed depends on three things: your state's waiting period, your court's backlog and the quality of your paperwork. You cannot change the first two. However, you control the third completely.
Incomplete papers are the most common cause of delay. A missing financial disclosure, an unsigned page or an outdated form version can send your file back. Consequently, weeks or months are lost. Attorney-prepared documents avoid most of these problems.
Tips that genuinely save time
Gather your financial records before you start. That means pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, retirement statements and loan balances. Additionally, agree on who keeps the house and how the mortgage will be handled. Refinancing questions often stall agreements late in the process.
Also, keep communication calm and in writing. A short email confirming each decision helps your attorney draft accurately. Similarly, decide early whether either spouse wants a former name restored. Adding it later can mean another filing.
If you want a quick check before you commit, book an uncontested divorce consultation. An attorney reviews your plan and flags anything that could slow the judge's approval.
Uncontested divorce with children
Children add important steps. Courts must approve custody, visitation and child support, even when parents agree. Therefore, your paperwork has to show the arrangement serves the children's best interests.
Child support usually follows a state formula. It considers both parents' incomes, health insurance, childcare and the parenting schedule. If your agreement departs from the guideline amount, most states require an explanation. For example, a parent might pay more support in exchange for keeping the family car.
Parenting plans that hold up
A good parenting plan is specific. It sets the weekly schedule, holiday rotation, school-break time and exchange locations. Moreover, it explains how parents make decisions on education, health and religion. Vague plans invite future conflict. Specific plans prevent it.
Some states also require parents to complete a co-parenting class before the judgment. We tell you whether your county requires one. Later, if circumstances change, you can update the arrangement with a child support modification or read our guide to child custody modification.
If your spouse has already filed
Perhaps your spouse filed first and you agree with most of the petition. You still need to respond correctly and on time. Deadlines are often 20 to 30 days after service, depending on the state.
Our Response to Divorce Petition service prepares your answer or response. It protects your rights while keeping the case cooperative. In fact, many cases that start with one spouse filing alone still finish as uncontested divorces.
Furthermore, responding properly keeps you in control. If you do nothing, the court may enter a default judgment on your spouse's terms. That outcome is hard to undo. Therefore, even in a friendly divorce, file your response before the deadline.
Our Uncontested Divorce services in the USA
Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in the USA. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.
Uncontested Divorce Documents in the USA
Petition, marital settlement agreement, financial disclosures and final decree paperwork for your state (court fees extra).
It includes petition / complaint for dissolution, marital settlement agreement, financial affidavits. Moreover, it is usually ready in 7 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Uncontested Divorce Documents — from $149 See what's included →
Uncontested divorce consultation in the USA
A confidential 30-minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about an uncontested (agreed) divorce. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 30-minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Uncontested divorce consultation — $249 See what's included →
Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) in the USA
A marital settlement agreement recording how property, debts, support and parenting are resolved, ready to submit with your divorce.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) — $700 See what's included →
Parenting Plan / Custody Agreement in the USA
Custody schedule, holidays, decision-making and relocation terms.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Parenting Plan / Custody Agreement — from $99 See what's included →
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) in the USA
A QDRO dividing a 401(k) or pension under your divorce judgment, drafted to the plan administrator's requirements.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 7 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) — $900 See what's included →
Response to Divorce Petition in the USA
Your formal response to a divorce petition, filed before the deadline, setting out what you agree with and what you contest.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Response to Divorce Petition — $400 See what's included →
Name Change Petition in the USA
Court petition and order for an adult or minor name change.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Uncontested Divorce services near you — every state we cover
Because everything is handled online, it makes no difference where you live. Nevertheless, the law does change from state to state, so every document is prepared for your local rules. Here are some of the places our clients come from most often.
Uncontested Divorce help in California
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for California law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Los Angeles (near the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown), San Diego (near the Hall of Justice on West Broadway), San Francisco (near the Civic Center courthouse on McAllister Street). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Los Angeles, Uncontested Divorce Documents in San Diego, Uncontested Divorce Documents in San Francisco. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in California.
Uncontested Divorce help in Texas
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Texas law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Houston (near the Harris County Civil Courthouse), Dallas (near the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building), San Antonio (near the Bexar County Courthouse), Austin (near the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Houston, Uncontested Divorce Documents in Dallas, Uncontested Divorce Documents in San Antonio, Uncontested Divorce Documents in Austin. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Texas.
Uncontested Divorce help in Florida
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Florida law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Miami (near the Miami-Dade County Courthouse on West Flagler Street), Orlando (near the Orange County Courthouse), Tampa (near the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Miami, Uncontested Divorce Documents in Orlando, Uncontested Divorce Documents in Tampa. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Florida.
Uncontested Divorce help in New York
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for New York law and local court practice. Clients come to us from New York City (near the New York County Courthouse at 60 Centre Street and the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza), Brooklyn (near the Kings County Supreme Court on Adams Street). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in New York City, Uncontested Divorce Documents in Brooklyn. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in New York.
Uncontested Divorce help in Illinois
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Illinois law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Chicago (near the Richard J. Daley Center). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Chicago. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Illinois.
Uncontested Divorce help in Georgia
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Georgia law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Atlanta (near the Fulton County Courthouse). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Atlanta. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Georgia.
Uncontested Divorce help in Arizona
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Arizona law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Phoenix (near the Maricopa County Superior Court). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Phoenix. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Arizona.
Uncontested Divorce help in Pennsylvania
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Pennsylvania law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Philadelphia (near City Hall, home of the Court of Common Pleas). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Philadelphia. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Pennsylvania.
Uncontested Divorce help in Washington
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Washington law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Seattle (near the King County Courthouse). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Seattle. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Washington.
Uncontested Divorce help in Colorado
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Colorado law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Denver (near the Denver City and County Building). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Denver. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Colorado.
Uncontested Divorce help in Massachusetts
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Massachusetts law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Boston (near the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Boston. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Massachusetts.
Uncontested Divorce help in Nevada
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for Nevada law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Las Vegas (near the Regional Justice Center). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Las Vegas. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in Nevada.
Uncontested Divorce help in New Jersey
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for New Jersey law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Newark (near the Essex County Hall of Records). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Newark. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in New Jersey.
Uncontested Divorce help in North Carolina
We prepare uncontested divorce documents for North Carolina law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Charlotte (near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse). For example, see Uncontested Divorce Documents in Charlotte. Similarly, see Uncontested divorce consultation in North Carolina.
We also help clients in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. See every location we cover.
Uncontested Divorce Documents in every state
Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
How much does a flat fee uncontested divorce attorney cost?
Our attorney-prepared uncontested divorce documents start at a fixed $149, with standard and premium packages for tailored drafting and attorney review. Court filing fees are separate and paid to your county court.
How long does an uncontested divorce take?
It depends on your state. Some states have no waiting period, while others require 60 days to six months after filing or service. Complete, accurate paperwork is the best way to avoid extra delay.
Do we both need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
No. Many couples use one set of attorney-prepared documents. However, each spouse may get independent advice, and anyone with doubts about the agreement should book a consultation before signing.
Can we get an uncontested divorce with children?
Yes. You will need a parenting plan and child support that follows your state guidelines, and some courts require a parenting class. The judge must approve the arrangement as being in the children's best interests.
Do you prepare uncontested divorce papers in every state?
Yes. We prepare uncontested divorce documents for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., using the forms and local rules of the county where you file.
Contact American Counsel
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +1 (217) 426-5403 · Chat on WhatsApp
✉ Email: support@american-counsel.com
🌐 Service area: online across all 50 US states and Washington, D.C.
🕑 Response: most enquiries answered the same working day
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.
