What does contested mean in a divorce?

What does contested mean in a divorce?

In a contested divorce you and your spouse cannot agree on the terms of your divorce and need a judge to help you sort it out. In a contested divorce that does not settle, the judge is the one who is ultimately responsible for making the decisions for the couple.

What can I expect from a contested divorce?

What Is a Contested Divorce? In a contested divorce, the spouses are unable to come to an agreement on issues such as child custody and the division of marital assets. In such situations, the litigation process takes longer to conclude and often involves increased legal fees.

How long does a spouse have to contest a divorce?

30 days

How long can a contested divorce last?

The average cost of a contested divorce is $5,000 per spouse, and takes about 6 months. Some contested divorces can cost $15,000 or more per spouse and take 12 months or longer. Here is the basic process of a contested divorce.

What happens if spouse contests divorce?

You may have to move forward with a contested divorce, though. A court hearing will be set, and your spouse will be served with the court date. If they attend and openly contest the divorce or a particular issue, then each side must present testimony and evidence regarding their preferred outcome.

What if spouse doesn’t sign divorce papers?

Does my spouse have to sign the served papers? No. Your spouse does not have to sign anything. Even if your spouse refuses to sign any documents, the court can grant a divorce order.

How do I know my marriage is over?

Another sign your marriage is ending is when you fantasize about being free of your partner or even living your life with somebody else. If you feel more excited or more at peace at the prospect of being free of your partner for the rest of your life than remaining in this marriage, then it could be time for a divorce.