What Can I Expect From a Contested Divorce Lawyer?

A contested divorce is a legal dispute that pits spouses against one another. This is often not in the best interests of the children involved or the spouses. This is particularly true of couples with children. In order to ensure that the kids are well cared for, parents must work together until the children reach adulthood. After a contested divorce, cooperation may not be possible. A seasoned contested divorce lawyer will be able to protect your legal rights and keep the proceedings civil.

Divorce proceedings can be complicated and involve many moving parts. For example, a contested divorce requires a financial disclosure form to be filed. The form requires that the parties disclose certain documents. The spouses must provide a copy of all financial records, as required by law. These forms are known as 16.2 disclosures. These details are necessary to ensure that the divorce process runs smoothly.

The length of a divorce case will depend on the amount of time it takes for the spouses to file a response. The spouse who has agreed to divorce will have to sign the divorce papers. Some states have a waiting period before the divorce is finalized. The contested divorce lawyer will prepare a Settlement Agreement (or Stipulation) of Settlement in addition to preparing a response.

There will be a variety of documents required for a contested divorcement. Attorneys will need to prepare large amounts of documentation for both sides. The court will also inquire about the need for experts. These experts can be useful in both settlement and trial situations. Common experts include accountants, forensic accountants, and pension analysts. They can track marital assets and money, and they can also be employability specialists for those who are not working. In some cases, the court will order the use of an expert, and then make a final decision.

During the contested divorce, the attorneys may attempt to settle a divorce through mediation. Although Illinois does not require mediation, it can be beneficial if the spouses are close to each other. A trained mediator will help the two parties reach a settlement without the use of attorneys. Mediated divorce is different from a contested one because both sides can reach a settlement agreement on their own without the assistance of a mediator.

Although a divorce is a legal matter, it can take several weeks to complete. A contested divorce can also be an emotional or financial battle. Uncontested divorce can be expensive and stressful. However, it can be a great way for a couple to avoid a contested separation. Your lawyer will help you make sure the process is as smooth as possible. You'll want a negotiated divorce to be as cheap as possible for both parties.

Law Office of Russell D. Knight

1165 N Clark St # 700, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

(773) 334 6311