Contested vs. Uncontested Divorces

An uncontested divorce means that both spouses agree on all of their divorce-related issues. Thus, an uncontested divorce usually involves less stress and fewer legal fees.

A contested divorce, however, is just what it sounds like: one or both spouses fight (dispute) some aspect of their divorce.

In a contested divorce situation, things become more complicated and costly. When divorcing spouses disagree on issues relating to the division of marital property, and how custody and parenting time issues should be handled, more legal services are necessary.

Contested Divorces usually have the following three factors in common.

Dispute as to the value of marital property.

Dispute as to earning potential of either spouse, and

Dispute as to who is best suited for the role of acting as the primary resident of the child/ren.

Contested Divorces and Uncontested Divorces in Arizona.

So the question becomes, how do you handle all of these disputes. Often, you may need to bring in the assistance of The experts to help you bolster your position and create compelling evidence in your favor.

Experts have experience as trial witnesses, and they can also prepare reports to be used as evidence or as tools to bring the parties closer to settlement.

Certain types of experts such as a real estate appraiser, business evaluator, vocational analyst, or custody or mental health evaluator are often called upon to assist you in making your case.

Clearly, the cost of obtaining expert is a factor in your divorce, and will undoubtedly drive the price up.

Other reasons why these three common disputes cost more is because issues that the parties fail to agree on lead to more litigation. For example, Motion practice is not unusual during the pendency of a divorce. Once a party files a Motion, the Court is called upon to determine, for example, an interim amount of spousal or child support during the pendency of the divorce or a temporary parenting schedule, until which time a full-blown trial can be conducted. Preparation of Certifications with evidence and the cost of having your Cherry Hill divorce attorney argue these issues is time-consuming, thereby driving up legal fees.

Contested vs Uncontested Divorces.

As you can see disputes can become expensive, so one word of advice is, sometimes you need to pick your battles. An experienced attorney can help you to narrow, or limit, the issues in dispute. Your attorney will guide you to ensure that the positions that you take are reasonable and in line with State Statutes and Case Law on the issues.

As a general practice rule, the more the parties agree to, in my opinion, the better. Harmoniously resolving your issues creates a better climate for settlement. The separating parties, even after the divorce, may still need to interact with each other. Treating each other fairly is the best approach, and if kids are involved, it’s even more important.

If you have a question about divorce in Arizona, please call to speak to one of our experienced Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona divorce attorneys at (480)305-8300.

Thanks to our friends and contributors from Mullen Law for their insight into contested and uncontested divorces.

As Seen on CBS News, ABC News, NBC News, and Fox News