Uncontested Divorce Lawyer

Helping Clients Resolve Divorce Efficiently in New York, Washington, D.C. & Maryland

Not every divorce has to become a lengthy courtroom battle.

When you and your spouse agree on the major issues surrounding the end of your marriage, an uncontested divorce can provide a more efficient and less adversarial path toward finalizing your divorce.

At The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz, I represent clients in uncontested divorce matters throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. With more than 25 years of legal experience, I help clients understand their rights, resolve outstanding issues, prepare appropriate agreements and navigate the legal process required to complete their divorce.

Even when you and your spouse agree, the decisions you make concerning property, finances, support and children can affect you for years.

I work directly with my clients to help ensure that the terms of an uncontested divorce accurately reflect their agreement and protect their long-term interests.

Schedule a confidential consultation with me to discuss your uncontested divorce.

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce generally occurs when both spouses agree to end the marriage and have resolved the issues that must be addressed as part of the divorce.

Depending on the circumstances, those issues may include:

• Division of marital property
• Responsibility for marital debt
• Ownership or sale of the marital home
• Retirement accounts
• Spousal support or alimony
• Child custody
• Parenting schedules
• Child support
• Health insurance
• Tax-related issues
• Other financial obligations

If you and your spouse disagree about one or more significant issues, the divorce may initially be considered contested.

However, a divorce that begins as contested can become uncontested if you later reach an agreement resolving your disputes.

An Uncontested Divorce Is More Than Signing Papers

It can be tempting to think of an uncontested divorce as simply completing forms and obtaining a judge’s signature.

In reality, the most important part of the process often occurs before the papers are filed.

You and your spouse must decide how you will handle financial and parenting issues after the marriage ends.

Once a divorce agreement becomes part of a final judgment, changing its terms later may be difficult.

Before you sign an agreement, it is important to understand exactly what you are agreeing to and how the terms may affect your finances, property and family.

As an experienced uncontested divorce attorney, I can help you identify issues you might otherwise overlook.

What Issues Need to Be Resolved in an Uncontested Divorce?

Every marriage is different.

Some couples have few assets and no children. Others may own homes, businesses, investment accounts or retirement assets and have children whose custody and support must be addressed.

An uncontested divorce may require agreement regarding several areas.

Property Division

You and your spouse should determine what will happen to property acquired during the marriage.

This can include:

• The marital residence
• Bank accounts
• Investment accounts
• Retirement accounts
• Vehicles
• Businesses
• Real estate
• Personal property
• Valuable collections
• Other marital assets

Your agreement should clearly explain who will retain particular assets and whether any property will be sold.

Marital Debt

Your divorce agreement should also address responsibility for debts such as:

• Mortgages
• Credit cards
• Personal loans
• Auto loans
• Business obligations
• Tax liabilities

Simply agreeing that one spouse will pay a particular debt does not necessarily change the rights of the creditor.

For example, if both spouses signed a loan, the creditor may still have contractual rights against both parties regardless of what the divorce agreement says.

That makes careful drafting particularly important.

Uncontested Divorce With Children

Having children does not prevent you and your spouse from obtaining an uncontested divorce.

However, you generally need to resolve issues involving custody, parenting time and financial support.

A parenting agreement may address:

• Legal decision-making
• Physical custody
• Regular parenting schedules
• Weekends
• Holidays
• Vacations
• School breaks
• Transportation
• Medical decisions
• Educational decisions
• Communication between parents
• Travel
• Relocation issues

I can help you develop an agreement that is detailed enough to reduce the likelihood of future misunderstandings while remaining workable for your family.

Learn more about Child Support, Custody & Visitation.

Child Support in an Uncontested Divorce

Even when you and your spouse agree on custody, you still need to address child support appropriately.

Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, child support may involve:

• Base child support
• Health insurance
• Uninsured medical costs
• Childcare
• Educational expenses
• Extracurricular activities
• Summer camps
• Other child-related expenses

You should understand your rights and responsibilities before entering into a final agreement.

Informal arrangements that appear reasonable today can create disputes later if the terms are unclear.

Spousal Support and Alimony

You can also address spousal support as part of an uncontested divorce.

You and your spouse may agree that:

• One spouse will pay support
• Support will continue for a specified period
• Support will terminate after a particular event
• Neither spouse will seek support

Before you waive or agree to spousal support, it is important to consider the financial circumstances of both spouses and the law that applies to your divorce.

Income differences, length of marriage, employment history and financial resources may all be relevant.

What Happens to the Marital Home?

The family home is often one of the largest assets involved in a divorce.

You and your spouse may agree to:

• Sell the home and divide the proceeds
• Allow one spouse to retain the property
• Transfer one spouse’s ownership interest to the other
• Allow one spouse to remain in the home temporarily
• Address the home as part of a larger property settlement

Your agreement may also need to address the mortgage, refinancing, taxes, maintenance expenses and timing of any eventual sale.

Agreeing on who lives in the house does not resolve every financial issue tied to the property.

Retirement Accounts in an Uncontested Divorce

Retirement assets are sometimes overlooked during an otherwise amicable divorce.

These assets may include:

• 401(k) accounts
• Pensions
• IRAs
• Government retirement plans
• Deferred compensation
• Other retirement benefits

Depending on the account and the agreement reached by you and your spouse, additional legal documents may be required to divide certain retirement benefits.

Retirement accounts can also have significant tax implications.

Understanding these issues before your divorce is finalized can help prevent expensive mistakes.

Business Interests in an Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce can still involve substantial or complicated assets.

If you or your spouse owns a business, your agreement may need to address:

• Business ownership
• Business valuation
• Appreciation during the marriage
• Income generated by the business
• Partnership or membership interests
• Business debt
• Buyout arrangements

You and your spouse may agree that one party will retain the business while the other receives different assets or compensation.

Even when you agree on the general outcome, your agreement should clearly define how the business will be treated.

High Net Worth Uncontested Divorce

An amicable divorce is not necessarily a simple divorce.

Couples with substantial wealth may agree that they want to avoid litigation but still need to address sophisticated financial issues.

A high net worth uncontested divorce may involve:

• Multiple homes
• Investment properties
• Closely held businesses
• Professional practices
• Investment portfolios
• Stock options
• Restricted stock units
• Deferred compensation
• Trust interests
• Retirement assets
• Significant separate property

When substantial assets are involved, the financial consequences of an agreement deserve careful attention even when the relationship between the spouses remains cooperative.

Learn more about High Net Worth Divorce.

Do We Need a Lawyer if We Agree on Everything?

You may be able to complete certain aspects of an uncontested divorce without an attorney.

That does not necessarily mean you should.

Divorce agreements can create long-term rights and obligations involving property, support, retirement benefits and children.

I can help you:

• Understand your legal rights
• Identify issues you may have overlooked
• Review proposed settlement terms
• Address property and debt
• Prepare or review a marital settlement agreement
• Ensure required documents are properly prepared
• Navigate filing and procedural requirements
• Reduce the likelihood of avoidable problems after the divorce

The purpose of hiring me in an uncontested case is not to create conflict.

It is to make sure that an agreement reached today does not create unnecessary problems tomorrow.

Can One Attorney Represent Both Spouses?

Generally, one attorney cannot represent both spouses when their interests may differ in a divorce.

Even when you and your spouse are cooperative, each of you has your own legal and financial interests.

One spouse may retain an attorney to prepare or negotiate the agreement, while the other spouse may choose to have a separate attorney review it before signing.

Independent review can help both parties understand the consequences of the agreement they are entering.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take?

An uncontested divorce is often more efficient than a contested divorce, but there is no universal timeline.

The amount of time required depends on factors such as:

• The jurisdiction
• Whether you and your spouse have already reached a complete agreement
• Whether children are involved
• Complexity of the marital estate
• Preparation and execution of required documents
• Service requirements
• Court processing times
• Whether additional information or corrections are required

Completing the paperwork correctly the first time can help reduce unnecessary delays.

Uncontested Divorce in New York

I have been licensed to practice law in New York since 2007 and represent clients in New York uncontested divorce matters.

In New York, an uncontested divorce generally means that you and your spouse agree regarding the divorce and the issues that need to be resolved. Divorce cases are handled by the New York State Supreme Court.

Depending on your case, you may need to address:

• Equitable distribution of property
• Maintenance
• Child custody
• Parenting time
• Child support
• Retirement benefits
• Marital debt

New York requires several documents to complete an uncontested divorce, and the applicable forms and requirements can vary depending on whether children are involved. New York Courts also revised its matrimonial forms in 2026, making it particularly important to use current filing documents.

I help New York clients prepare agreements, address financial and parenting issues and navigate the process required to finalize an uncontested divorce.

Uncontested Divorce in Washington, D.C.

I have been licensed in the District of Columbia since 2001 and represent clients in uncontested divorce matters in Washington, D.C.

An uncontested divorce in D.C. generally involves spouses who agree to the divorce and are prepared to proceed without litigating unresolved disputes.

The D.C. Courts provide a Consent Answer for a spouse who agrees with the requested divorce and a Joint Request for Uncontested Divorce Hearing when both spouses agree to proceed.

A D.C. divorce may still involve important issues such as:

• Distribution of marital property
• Alimony
• Child custody
• Child support
• Parenting arrangements

D.C. Courts currently require at least one spouse to have been a District resident for six months before filing for divorce.

I help clients resolve these issues and move through the uncontested divorce process as efficiently as the circumstances allow.

Uncontested Divorce in Maryland

I have been licensed to practice law in Maryland since 1999 and represent clients throughout Maryland in divorce and family law matters.

For spouses who have reached an agreement, mutual consent can provide a path to divorce in Maryland.

Maryland Courts currently explain that spouses proceeding by mutual consent can sign a marital settlement agreement resolving issues involving alimony, marital property and, where applicable, the care, custody and support of minor or dependent children.

Even when you and your spouse agree that the marriage should end, carefully documenting the terms of that agreement remains important.

I can help Maryland clients review, negotiate and prepare agreements designed to address both immediate concerns and long-term obligations.

Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce

When appropriate, an uncontested divorce can offer significant advantages.

Greater Control

Rather than asking a judge to decide important financial and parenting issues, you and your spouse can develop terms that work for your circumstances.

Less Conflict

Avoiding unnecessary litigation can reduce conflict between you and your spouse, which may be particularly valuable when you will continue co-parenting after divorce.

Potentially Lower Legal Costs

Resolving disputes outside of prolonged litigation can reduce the amount of attorney time and court involvement required.

Greater Efficiency

When all major issues have already been resolved, your divorce may move through the legal process more efficiently than a heavily contested case.

More Predictability

A negotiated agreement allows you and your spouse to know the terms of the resolution rather than leaving important decisions entirely to the court.

When an Uncontested Divorce May Not Be Appropriate

An uncontested divorce works best when both spouses can communicate honestly and reach informed agreements.

It may not be appropriate when:

• One spouse is hiding assets
• There is significant disagreement about finances
• One spouse does not understand the marital estate
• Domestic violence or coercive control is present
• There is a serious custody dispute
• One spouse is being pressured to sign
• A business has not been properly valued
• Significant assets are missing or unaccounted for
• One party refuses to provide financial information

Agreeing quickly is not necessarily the same as reaching a fair agreement.

If important questions remain unresolved, it may be better to investigate those issues before finalizing your divorce.

What Documents Should You Gather?

If you are considering an uncontested divorce, gathering financial information can make the process easier.

Useful documents may include:

• Recent tax returns
• Bank statements
• Retirement account statements
• Investment statements
• Mortgage statements
• Property deeds
• Credit card statements
• Loan information
• Business financial records
• Employment compensation information
• Insurance policies
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

The amount of documentation needed will depend on the complexity of your finances.

Why Choose Me for an Uncontested Divorce?

More Than 25 Years of Legal Experience

I have practiced law since 1999 and have handled a broad range of divorce, matrimonial and family law matters.

Licensed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Maryland

I have been licensed in:

• Maryland since 1999
• Washington, D.C. since 2001
• New York since 2007

My multijurisdictional experience can be particularly helpful for clients whose families, residences or assets cross state lines.

Direct Attorney Involvement

You work directly with me throughout your matter.

Even when your divorce is uncontested, I take the time to understand your financial circumstances, family situation and long-term goals.

Focused on Resolution

The goal of an uncontested divorce is to resolve the marriage efficiently without unnecessary conflict.

I help clients identify potential problems, develop practical solutions and move toward a final agreement while protecting their interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uncontested Divorce

What qualifies as an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce generally occurs when both spouses agree to end the marriage and have resolved the major legal issues involved, including property, debt, support and, when applicable, custody and child support.

Do both spouses need to agree to an uncontested divorce?

Generally, yes. If there are unresolved disagreements concerning significant financial or parenting issues, the case may be contested until those disagreements are resolved.

Can we have an uncontested divorce if we have children?

Yes. You and your spouse can pursue an uncontested divorce if you have reached appropriate agreements concerning custody, parenting time, child support and other issues involving your children.

Can we have an uncontested divorce if we own a house?

Yes. You and your spouse need to determine what will happen to the home and address related financial issues such as ownership, equity, mortgage obligations and any planned sale or transfer.

Can an uncontested divorce involve significant assets?

Yes. High net worth spouses can pursue an uncontested divorce if they agree on how their financial issues will be resolved. Complex assets may still require careful valuation, tax analysis and legal drafting.

Is an uncontested divorce cheaper than a contested divorce?

It often can be because there may be less litigation, discovery and court involvement. The actual legal cost depends on the complexity of the assets, agreements and issues involved.

Do I still need a settlement agreement?

A written agreement may be extremely important when you and your spouse need to document how property, support, custody and other obligations will be handled. The precise requirements depend on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

Can an uncontested divorce become contested?

Yes. If you and your spouse later disagree over property, support, custody or another important issue, the case may become contested until the disagreement is resolved.

Can a contested divorce become uncontested?

Yes. Many divorces begin with disagreements but become uncontested after the parties negotiate and reach a complete settlement.

How quickly can I get an uncontested divorce?

There is no universal timeframe. Timing depends on the jurisdiction, complexity of the case, completeness of the agreement, filing requirements and court processing times.

Do you handle uncontested divorces in New York, Washington, D.C. and Maryland?

Yes. I represent divorce and family law clients in all three jurisdictions and have been licensed in Maryland since 1999, Washington, D.C. since 2001 and New York since 2007.

Speak With Me About Your Uncontested Divorce

If you and your spouse have agreed to divorce, getting the terms right now can help prevent disputes later.

I represent individuals in uncontested divorce matters throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

I can help you understand your rights, identify issues that need to be resolved, review or prepare settlement terms and guide you through the legal process required to finalize your divorce.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Washington, D.C. & Maryland: 202-972-2701

New York: 917-791-4157

Contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz today to discuss your divorce and learn more about your legal options.