contested divorce

A contested divorce is one in which the parties disagree as to the terms of the divorce. A contested divorce can take months or years to resolve. Some disputed cases will eventually lead to a trial. Often the parties agree as to the necessity of the divorce; however, they are not willing to cooperate to finish the process. The attorneys for the parties and the court will make all reasonable efforts to settle the case and bring it to trial. Ultimately, it is the parties themselves who must stipulate to complete the case.

Contested divorce cases can be quite expensive, as lawyers generally charge by office and court hours. Many small fortunes have been spent in legal fees for a failed marriage. It is generally in the best interest of the parties to achieve a quick resolution of the case.

An issue can cause a case to be contested. The parties can agree on everything except custody, support, visitation or property division. This area of ​​disagreement can cause a case to go to trial. Although the court will do everything in its power to try to get the parties to settle, there are cases in which the court must hold a hearing and allow the parties to present their cases.

A trial can last less than a day in a simple case or it can last weeks in a difficult case. Cases involving custody disputes require the most time and interaction between the parties, witnesses, and the court.