How an Uncontested (Non-Contested) Divorce Works
In a non-contested divorce, one spouse—called the plaintiff—files a complaint for divorce along with the necessary forms with the court. The other spouse—the defendant—chooses not to respond to the plaintiff’s complaint. Because the defendant does not file an answer contesting the matter, the case proceeds as uncontested.
The Waiting Period Before the Final Hearing
Once the defendant has been served with the divorce papers, the court must wait at least 42 days before scheduling the final uncontested hearing. This statutory waiting period is built into the timeline of every uncontested case.
The Final Hearing — Who Attends
The plaintiff, along with one witness, testifies at the final hearing. The defendant is not required to attend, and in most uncontested cases the defendant does not attend. After hearing the plaintiff’s testimony, the court reviews the final divorce decree and signs it, completing the divorce.
Flat-Fee Billing
For a non-contested divorce, Pirnia Law Office usually charges a flat fee—so you know the cost up front, without the uncertainty of hourly billing. Call the office to discuss your situation and current pricing.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by your use of this site. Please consult Pirnia Law Office about how Ohio law applies to your specific situation.