Uncontested Divorce in Stuart and Port St Lucie FL
Divorce is never easy, but for many couples in Florida, an uncontested divorce in Stuart and Port St Lucie FL offers a faster, less stressful, and more affordable path to moving forward. At Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, with our main office in Stuart, our divorce lawyers frequently help clients navigate the uncontested divorce process. As a Florida family lawyer, our family lawyer, Christian Van Riper, a resident of Stuart, recommends this option when spouses can reach agreements on all major issues.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce in Florida?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on the aspects of their divorce. This includes:
- Division of property and debts
- Child custody and parenting plans
- Child support and alimony (if applicable)
Because there are no disputes for a judge to decide, and the parties can draft a marital settlement agreement, the process is streamlined compared to a contested divorce.
How Fast Can an Uncontested Divorce Be Completed?
In Martin and St. Lucie, uncontested divorces typically move quickly through the court system since they do not require lengthy hearings or trials.
At Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, we stress to our clients the importance of gathering key documents early to avoid delays and move the process forward quickly. In Florida, many of these records fall under the Mandatory Disclosure requirements, which include items such as listed below. Having these documents ready before meeting with a divorce lawyer not only helps us give accurate advice but also streamlines the entire uncontested divorce process.
(Documents to gather before meeting with your divorce lawyer)
- Tax Returns – Last 3 years of personal income tax returns (including W-2s and 1099s).
- Pay Records – Pay stubs or proof of income for the past 12 months.
- Bank Statements – All checking, savings, and money market accounts for the last 3 years.
- Retirement Accounts – Statements for 401(k), IRA, pensions, or similar accounts.
- Credit Card Statements – Last years for all individual and joint accounts.
- Loan Documents – Mortgage, car loans, personal loans, or any other outstanding debt.
- Property Records – Deeds, titles, and mortgage statements for real estate or vehicles.
- Insurance Policies – Health, life, auto, and homeowners/renters insurance declarations.
- Business Records – If self-employed, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and business tax returns.
- Your personal credit report – This will help identify all debts in your name as debt accumulated during a marriage is martial debt.
Now, when you meet with our attorney, he may ask for additional documents within Florida’s Mandatory Disclosure; however, this is a good start. Obtaining these documents early also helps keep divorce costs low.
The Role of a Divorce Attorney in Port St. Lucie and Stuart
Even in an uncontested divorce, hiring an experienced family lawyer in Port St. Lucie or Stuart is essential. Here’s why:
- Paperwork Accuracy: Florida divorce law requires specific forms and financial disclosures. Errors can cause delays.
- Protecting Your Rights: A divorce attorney ensures your agreement is fair and enforceable.
- Streamlining the Process: A divorce attorney helps file correctly and prepares you for your brief final hearing.
At Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, our Martin and St. Lucie County divorce attorneys guide clients through uncontested divorces daily, making the process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Why Choose a Local Stuart or Port St. Lucie Uncontested Divorce Lawyer?
Working with a local divorce attorney familiar with Martin and St. Lucie County courts is a major advantage. Every courthouse has unique procedures, and our firm has years of experience working directly with local judges and court staff. This helps us avoid unnecessary delays and ensures your uncontested divorce moves forward quickly.
Final Thoughts
If you and your spouse agree on the terms of your separation, an uncontested divorce in Florida may be the best path forward. At Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, we are committed to helping families in Stuart and Port St. Lucie achieve a fair, efficient, and affordable divorce process. If the spouses cannot agree, our attorneys are prepared to litigate the case as a contested divorce (dissolution of marriage), divorce mediation and trial.
📞 Call Van Riper & Nies Attorneys today at 772-283-8712 to schedule a consultation with me, Christian Van Riper, a Port St. Lucie and Stuart family lawyer, and learn how we can help you complete your uncontested divorce in Florida. Christian if a former prosecutor and DCF investigator. He also handles Dependency cases. We file documents in Martin and St. Lucie county electronically. We offer free consultations and will discuss with you a divorce timeline.
Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, PA
Martin and St. Lucie Divorce Law Firm
900 SE Ocean Blvd, Ste. 140-E, Stuart, FL 34994. Tel: 772-283-8712.