Not all divorces have to be dramatic. In fact, some folks walk into my office—usually from Parma, Middleburg Heights, or Strongsville—already in agreement about who’s getting what. And I always tell them the same thing: “If you’re both on the same page, let’s not make this harder than it needs to be.”
That’s what an uncontested divorce is all about. It doesn’t mean it’s easy or painless—but it can be simple, respectful, and a whole lot less expensive if you approach it the right way.
Here’s what I’ve learned over the years from helping Ohio couples through the process, and how we at Mary E. Papcke, Attorney at Law help make it go smoothly.
First Off—What Exactly Is an Uncontested Divorce?
It’s when both spouses agree on the major terms of the divorce, like:
- Division of assets and debts
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and/or spousal support
- Who’s keeping the house or pets
No court battles. No back-and-forth fighting through lawyers. Just a clear, mutual decision to move forward separately.
It still has to be filed with the court, and it still needs to follow Ohio law—but when both sides cooperate, it’s more like a paperwork process than a war.
Tip #1: Get the Details in Writing Early
I can’t tell you how many times people have said, “Oh, we already talked about everything,” but when I ask for the specifics, it gets fuzzy.
So—before you file, put your agreement in writing. That includes who gets which car, how you’re handling the mortgage, even who’s keeping the holiday decorations. The more detailed, the better. Not because you don’t trust each other—but because divorce is stressful, and misunderstandings happen.
Tip #2: Use One Attorney—But Understand the Limits
Here’s a common question I get: “Can we use the same lawyer?” The short answer is: kind of.
In Ohio, one attorney can represent one spouse and prepare the paperwork, but can’t represent both parties. The other spouse can choose to have their own attorney review the documents—or not. It depends on their comfort level.
At our firm, we often prepare the full agreement and walk one spouse through the process, while the other signs after reviewing. It works well when both parties are cooperative and honest with each other.
Tip #3: Be Realistic—And Fair
This one’s big. Just because it’s uncontested doesn’t mean one side should “give in” on everything. You want an agreement that feels fair—not just now, but years down the road.
If you have kids, think long-term about school schedules, transportation, holidays, and how co-parenting will look. If you’re dividing retirement assets, make sure you understand the tax and legal implications.
Fair doesn’t mean perfectly equal. It means something both of you can live with.
Tip #4: Know That It’s Still a Legal Process
Even if you agree on everything, the paperwork has to be done right. I’ve seen people download forms online, miss key steps, and then end up back in court months later to fix things.
When we handle uncontested divorces, we take care of the filing, keep everything on track, and make sure it’s approved quickly. A couple from North Royalton recently told me it was “so much smoother than we expected.” That’s the goal—make it as stress-free as possible.
Tip #5: Keep the End Goal in Mind
You’re not just trying to get divorced. You’re trying to move on with your life—with peace, dignity, and a fresh start. That’s why avoiding drama matters. It protects your mental health, your finances, and (if you’ve got kids) your future relationship with your co-parent.
If emotions flare up—because yeah, they will—take a breath and come back to what matters: resolution.
We’re Here to Help You Keep It Simple
At Mary E. Papcke, Attorney at Law, we’ve helped countless Ohio couples move through uncontested divorces quickly and affordably. You don’t need to make it harder than it has to be—and you definitely don’t have to figure it out alone.
Whether you’re just starting the conversation or ready to file, visit www.BankruptcyAndDivorceLaw.com or call (440) 743-7000 to schedule a consultation. We work with clients in Parma, Middleburg Heights, Strongsville, North Royalton, and nearby communities who are ready for a clean, fair break.
A better chapter could be just a few steps away.
