End Your Marriage With Less Conflict & Confusion

At The Law Office of Erica P. Rios, our team helps people in El Paso County complete uncontested divorces in a calm and organized way. We focus on explaining each step, preparing accurate documents, and helping you protect what matters most, including your children and long-term financial stability. Our goal is to make a difficult transition more manageable, not more stressful.

To schedule a consultation with our El Paso County uncontested divorce lawyers, call (915) 255-3840.

Why Many Couples Choose Uncontested Divorce

If you are visiting this page, you are probably hoping to avoid a drawn-out court battle. An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses reach agreement on the key issues, such as how to divide property and debts, whether spousal support will be paid, and how parenting time and decision-making will work when there are children.

This type of divorce can offer several important benefits. It is often less expensive because there are fewer court hearings and less conflict, and it is usually more private since more decisions are made outside a courtroom. Many people also find that the process feels less emotionally draining when they work together to reach a settlement instead of letting a judge decide every detail.

How Uncontested Divorce Works in El Paso County

The process usually starts when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage in an El Paso County district court that has authority over the case. Which court is correct can depend on where you live and how long you have been a resident. Our team can help you prepare the petition and related initial documents so they meet local requirements.

After filing, the other spouse generally needs to be formally served or can sign documents accepting service, depending on your situation and what the court allows. You will also need to complete financial disclosures and draft a written marital settlement agreement that outlines how you will divide assets and debts. If you have children, you must also address parenting time, decision-making, and child support in a way that complies with state law.

The court reviews your agreement to make sure it is complete and not obviously unfair. In some uncontested cases, the court may enter the final decree based largely on the paperwork, while other situations may require a brief appearance at the courthouse. The schedule depends on court availability, the completeness of your documents, and whether the judge has any questions about your agreement.

Is an Uncontested Divorce a Good Fit For You?

You may be a good candidate for an uncontested divorce if you and your spouse can talk about important topics without constant conflict. It also helps if you largely agree on how to divide property and debts, where the children will live most of the time, how decisions about school and health care will be made, and whether any support will be paid. Both spouses must be willing to complete and sign the required paperwork and follow the same process in the courts.

On the other hand, uncontested divorce is usually not appropriate where there is ongoing domestic violence, hiding of assets, or a complete breakdown in communication. Significant disagreements about parenting arrangements or business interests can also require a different approach. In those situations, you may still benefit from legal advice, but the strategy may look different from a straightforward uncontested case.

If you are unsure which category your marriage falls into, a conversation with our team can be helpful. We can listen to your concerns, explain what an uncontested case would require in your situation, and discuss other options if needed. The goal is not to force your case into a particular box, but to help you choose a path that protects your safety and long-term interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an uncontested divorce take here?

An uncontested divorce generally takes less time than a contested case, but the exact length depends on court scheduling, how quickly paperwork is completed, and any waiting periods that apply. During your consultation, we can discuss typical timeframes in this county and what may speed up or slow down your particular case.

Do both of us need our own divorce lawyer?

One attorney cannot ethically provide independent legal advice to both spouses. Some couples choose for one spouse to hire a lawyer while the other proceeds without one. We can explain what that means in practice so you both understand how information and documents will be handled in an uncontested case.

What if we start uncontested and then disagree?

Disagreements sometimes arise during the process. If that happens, we first look at whether focused negotiation can resolve the issue. If the conflict becomes more serious, we discuss what it would mean for your case to shift away from an uncontested path and what options you have at that point.

Can we use uncontested divorce if we have kids?

Yes, many parents complete uncontested divorces, but the parenting plan must be workable and meet legal standards. We help you think through schedules, holidays, and decision-making for your children. The court will review your plan and generally focus on whether it serves the children’s best interests.

To schedule a consultation with our El Paso County uncontested divorce attorneys, call (915) 255-3840.