what is a contested divorce

A contested divorce is a type of divorce where the spouses cannot agree on one or more divorce-related issues. This means that they end up in court, asking a judge to make decisions for them. The issues that can be contested include child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and more. If the spouses cannot negotiate the terms of their marriage termination, the divorce becomes contested, and the judge decides the issues in the divorce. A contested divorce is the most complicated and expensive type of divorce process available. It is also the longest and most contentious. The legal processs cost and time are the most significant differences between an uncontested and a contested divorce. Although it usually costs the same to file either type of divorce, spouses going through a contested divorce are more likely to spend money on attorney's fees and expert witness fees (such as financial consultants or appraisers) than a couple that agrees on most divorce-related issues. A long and hard-fought contested divorce can be draining mentally and emotionally for everyone involved. For this reason, it is not uncommon for a divorce to start as contested but eventually settle.