After almost four years of marriage, Drew Barrymore and actor/art consultant husband, Will Kopelman, are officially calling it quits! Although they announced their separation back in April 2016, Barrymore recently filed divorce papers at the Manhattan Supreme Court in New York.
Interestingly, Barrymore’s court documents characterize the divorce as “uncontested”, suggesting that there will be no crazy fights about property or money, or messy arguments regarding child custody and support.
For the purposes of divorces in Ontario, an “uncontested divorce” is one where both spouses agree on all their matrimonial matters or divorce-related issues (including: property division, spousal support, child support, and child custody and access). The ground for an uncontested divorce is usually based on a one year separation.
Procedurally, an uncontested divorce requires one party to file an “Application for Divorce” with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and serve a copy of this application to the other party/spouse. Once served, the other spouse has thirty (30) days to respond to or contest the divorce. If the divorce remains uncontested, it is likely that the parties will not be required to appear in court.
Generally, parties opt for an uncontested divorce because it can be faster, cheaper, easier and less painful than a contested one. Additionally, an uncontested divorce is also beneficial because it can be more cooperative and confidential.
Barrymore and Kopelman’s amicability should come as no surprise though! When they first announced their separation, the couple clearly stated that, “our children are our universe, and we look forward to living the rest of our lives with them as the first priority”.
Barrymore’s marriage to Kopelman was her third – she was previously married to Jeremy Thomas in 1994, and Tom Green in 2001. Although third time wasn’t the charm for her, where Hollywood is otherwise rife with tumultuous break-ups and splits, Barrymore’s amicable and fight-free approach to her divorce is rather commendable.