Professional Advice to Successfully Get Through a Contested Divorce

A contested divorce is one where one of the partners in the marriage is not agreeing upon divorce issues and seeks the law, where a judge decides for them. These divorces are both financially and emotionally taxing. There are numerous reasons why a person might want a divorce. In the case of a contested divorce, motives such as legal strategies and personal revenge are possible. Divorces are very ugly and contested divorces especially can go on for months and even years.

Reasons for Filing a Contested Divorce

Contested divorces are filed to safeguard the rights to request various reliefs of both parties. Spousal and child support are two of the most common reliefs sought by a party during a divorce.

Handling a Contested Divorce

Contested divorces are extremely challenging and take a toll on the mental health of the partners involved. During the process, it is important to take steps to ensure better handling of the process.

Here are a few tips on how to handle a contested divorce:

• Collect a Strong Support System

During a contested divorce, you might want to cut off contact with other people in your life. It is normal to feel like isolating yourself from family and friends since you are feeling your family breaking apart.

Not giving in to these isolating thoughts and seeking outside help is very important during these tough times. Support systems such as close friends and family care deeply for you. If they don’t seem to be helping, consider therapy or group counselling.

• Consult with a Lawyer

Contested divorces put a massive emotional strain on you. During this time you are bound to feel overwhelmed and not to think clearly. Your lawyer would become your voice at this time; they will look into your best interest.

Meeting up with a few lawyers and discussing your situation with them is crucial in determining the right attorney for you. Use online reviews or ask for lawyer recommendations from known people who have gone through the same.

• Compile and Put Together your Documents

In contested divorces, settlements take a long time. During this time, your lawyers will ask to put together all the relevant documents such as proof of income, marital status, custody, etc. This process of collecting relevant data is called ‘Discovery’, in which both the parties gather useful information about each other to propose their terms of the settlement.

During the discovery period, the judge might grant temporary child and alimony support.

• Prepare for the Official Hearing

Your attorney will guide and prepare you for the hearing. You must practice your answers and answer only what you are asked. The judge will see the witnesses who will testify to the good nature of the two parties.

Your attorney will share opening and closing statements with the court. Based on the trial and the complexity of the case, the judge will decide upon the final verdict.

You are Not Alone

Going through a divorce is a stressful ordeal. Consulting the right professionals can help you through the divorce process and will allow you to move on. Always remember that you are not alone in this. Whenever you feel lonely, seek help from your support structures or therapy.