The key difference between uncontested and contested divorce is that in an uncontested divorce, the parties agree on all issues related to the divorce, including child custody, spousal support, and property division, through a legally binding separation agreement. In contrast, in a contested divorce, the parties cannot agree on one or more issues, and the court must intervene to resolve them.

In an uncontested divorce, the parties are able to negotiate a separation agreement outside of court through methods such as mediation, collaborative law, or direct negotiations with the help of their separation lawyer. The separation agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms of the separation between the parties, and once signed by both parties, it is filed with the court to be made a part of the final divorce order.

In a contested divorce, however, the parties are unable to reach an agreement on one or more issues and may need to go to court to have these issues resolved by a judge. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, as both parties may need to hire lawyers, attend court hearings, and provide evidence to support their claims.

In summary, the key difference between uncontested and contested divorce is the level of agreement between the parties. In an uncontested divorce, the parties agree on all issues and finalize their divorce through a legally binding separation agreement, while in a contested divorce, the parties are unable to reach an agreement and may need to go to court to have the issues resolved.