What is a contested divorce?

A contested divorce is a type of divorce in which the parties involved cannot reach an agreement on one or more aspects of the divorce, such as the division of assets and child custody rights. In a contested divorce in Washington, both parties have the right to present their own evidence and facts in a court of law. During the hearing, the judge will consider the circumstances of the case and decide how to divide the assets, allocate alimony payments, assign child custody/visitation rights, and make other decisions related to the divorce. If one party is not happy with the outcome of the trial, they can appeal the decision to a higher court. Contested divorces are often more expensive and time consuming than uncontested divorces, since the parties must pay for lawyers to represent their case in court. However, if the parties cannot agree on how to divide the assets and other details, this is likely the only way they can legally settle their divorce.

Related FAQs

How do I change my name after a divorce?
Does my spouse need to be served with divorce papers?
What are the steps in the divorce process?
How much is the average cost of a divorce?
What is a separation agreement?
Can a divorce be overturned?
What is a qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)?
How is child support calculated?
What is an uncontested divorce?
How is a prenuptial agreement enforced?

Related Blog Posts

How Divorce Law Impacts Your Finances: Key Facts & Tips - July 31, 2023
What You Need to Know About Divorce and Child Custody - August 7, 2023
Navigating Divorce Mediation: What to Expect - August 14, 2023
Understanding the Difference Between Divorce and Legal Separation - August 21, 2023
The Impact of Divorce on Alimony & Property Division - August 28, 2023