“Divorce is rarely ever “fair.” Often, one spouse didn’t want it to begin with, which adds to the emotional strain. The process can quickly become personal, painful, and bring out the worst in people. But when both parties are willing to step back from conflict and find common ground, an uncontested divorce offers a more respectful way forward. It allows couples to part ways with greater dignity, clarity, and control over their future.”
— Elena Giannattasio | Founder, Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce
At MJD, we encourage all new clients to take a moment to consider whether an uncontested divorce might be possible. When both parties are willing to come to the table and agree on the key terms—division of assets, child custody, support, and more—an uncontested divorce is not only faster and more affordable than litigation, but also far less combative.
Unlike traditional litigation, which can drag on for months (or even years), uncontested divorce is streamlined, private, and puts the couple in control of their agreement. Together, you create a resolution that’s custom-tailored to your family’s needs and circumstances—and you present it to a judge for final approval.
Even if your situation feels too emotional or complex, you may be surprised at what can be resolved with the right legal guidance. We help clients evaluate whether an uncontested divorce is feasible and advise on the best steps forward. Our goal is always to find the most peaceful and practical solution for our clients.
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In California, child custody mediation is mandatory—regardless of whether you pursue a contested or uncontested divorce. The court requires both parents to attempt to resolve custody issues through mediation before the case can move forward. While child custody mediation is not mandatory in New York, it remains a highly recommended option for parents navigating separation or divorce. Mediation offers a structured, supportive environment in which both parties can work collaboratively to develop a parenting plan that prioritizes the best interests of the child—without resorting to litigation. Even when emotions run high, mediation can help reduce conflict, foster healthier communication, and empower parents to maintain greater control over the outcome of their custody arrangements.
If you’re able to agree on a parenting plan, that agreement becomes part of your uncontested divorce filing. If not, the judge will step in to make a final decision. That’s why having a skilled attorney and, when necessary, an experienced mediator can make all the difference.
Today’s families often live dynamic, mobile lives, balancing careers, extended family ties, relocations, travel, and international obligations. When spouses decide to divorce, many prefer to resolve the matter cooperatively through an uncontested process. Even so, reaching a workable agreement requires careful structure, clear communication, and thoughtful planning, especially when the couple owns complex assets or lives across different states or countries. For couples in major hubs such as New York and San Francisco, where international careers and cross-border lifestyles are common, uncontested divorce still demands precision and professional guidance.
Although uncontested divorce is often described as “simpler,” the process still involves deliberate negotiation. Spouses who agree in principle frequently need time to refine the details, particularly when addressing long-term finances, tax implications, retirement planning, and parenting arrangements. In cities like New York and San Francisco, many couples begin with partial agreement and expand it through structured discussions facilitated by an uncontested divorce lawyer in NY or San Francisco. When the issues are clearly outlined from the outset, spouses can build a final settlement that reflects their intentions without undermining the cooperative spirit of the process.
Even in amicable divorces, correctly identifying marital versus separate property is essential. Spouses often maintain joint accounts while also holding premarital investments, inherited assets, international property, or foreign financial accounts. In an uncontested setting, disclosure is not adversarial—it is a practical step to ensure clarity. Couples typically exchange bank statements, real-estate records, retirement summaries, investment portfolios, business interests, or foreign asset documentation. Transparent disclosure protects both spouses and prevents future disputes.
Uncontested divorce does not mean the absence of complexity. High-asset estates, business ownership, multiple real-estate holdings, or cross-border investments may require additional structure and professional input. Spouses who broadly agree on division may still need time to finalize valuations, address tax consequences, or allocate ongoing financial responsibilities. With the right approach, these matters can be resolved cooperatively, provided both spouses remain committed to avoiding litigation.
Clear communication is the backbone of a successful uncontested divorce. Whether spouses communicate directly or through structured channels, documenting decisions and maintaining a predictable timeline helps avoid misunderstandings. Even when emotions are high or when spouses live in different states, the uncontested model can function smoothly if both parties prioritize resolution over conflict. This cooperative structure often reduces stress and allows families to transition with fewer disruptions.
Uncontested divorce is forward-looking. Instead of dwelling on past disagreements, spouses focus on creating arrangements that will function for years, addressing long-term support needs, educational planning, health-care expenses, parenting schedules, and potential relocations. In global cities like New York and San Francisco, where families frequently manage demanding careers or international travel, comprehensive planning is essential to ensuring the agreement remains realistic and sustainable. When necessary, spouses may consult financial planners, accountants, or cross-border tax professionals to ensure the final agreement protects their long-term stability.
Many uncontested divorces today involve international elements. Spouses may live abroad, maintain dual residency, or own property across multiple countries. In such cases, agreements must reflect the laws of all relevant jurisdictions. A settlement valid in New York may require additional steps to be enforceable overseas. International assets, such as foreign retirement plans, real estate, or business interests, may involve different rules, currencies, and regulatory requirements.
Early coordination with foreign counsel or international financial professionals helps ensure the agreement is recognized where needed. Because New York and San Francisco are home to many globally mobile families, uncontested divorces often include cross-border planning as part of the standard process.
For parents and spouses living across states, or across borders, uncontested divorce offers a path to resolution that preserves cooperation, privacy, and control. Families with international ties often need guidance on jurisdiction, enforceability abroad, parenting plans that account for travel, and asset division across multiple legal systems. Working with an uncontested divorce lawyer in New York or San Francisco ensures that the agreement is not only amicable but also legally sound, internationally aware, and fully tailored to the realities of modern family life.
Life after divorce is a significant adjustment. We want to start you off on the right foot. At MJD, our legal team provides support for uncontested divorces, including guidance on property division, spousal support, child custody, and parenting agreements.
Even couples who think they “could never agree on anything” are often able to reach a peaceful resolution with the right help. You don’t have to be best friends—you just have to be willing to have a conversation.
If you’re considering divorce, let’s talk. We’ll help you explore whether an uncontested divorce is the right path for you—and how we can make the process as smooth and respectful as possible.
An uncontested divorce offers a path that is both efficient and emotionally sustainable. At Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, PLLC, we believe in crafting agreements with clarity and compassion — enabling couples to agree on terms of support, custody, and asset division without adversarial conflict. Our approach ensures that even amicable separations are grounded in strategic foresight, protecting interests while minimizing stress.
An uncontested divorce offers a path that is both efficient and emotionally sustainable. At Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, PLLC, we believe in crafting agreements with clarity and compassion — enabling couples to agree on terms of support, custody, and asset division without adversarial conflict. Our approach ensures that even amicable separations are grounded in strategic foresight, protecting interests while minimizing stress.
Contact attorney Elena today at +1 213-314-4244 or Elena@multi-jurisdictionaldivorce.com to safeguard your rights and achieve lasting resolutions for your family, wherever life takes you.
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