By the time you consider divorcing your spouse, you’ve likely spent years together working towards the things that matter most to you. Maybe you had children together. Perhaps you bought a house. You might’ve even built up retirement accounts. Now that you’re parting ways, you need to agree on how to split all of this. Maybe you and your spouse can find common ground on key issues like child support, custody, and asset division. If this is the case, you may be able to finalize a divorce through mediation. This option tends to be a quicker, more affordable, and less stressful alternative to going to court. But it’s not always feasible. If you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement on your own, a contested divorce attorney will support you in this more complex journey.
The contested divorce process is more adversarial in nature and may take months or even years to resolve. It typically involves multiple hearings and legal filings. It may even end in a trial. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the process, but in some cases, contesting your divorce is what’s best. By working with an attorney with experience resolving contested divorces, you’ll be able to advocate for yourself and finalize your divorce more favorably.
When Do I Need To Contest My Divorce?
When you’re leaving your spouse, your case can end up as either an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce, and mediation is one tool that can help move a contested case toward an uncontested resolution.
In mediation, two parties reach a divorce agreement independently. They may use lawyers to ensure that all agreements are fair and legally binding. But the bottom line is that both parties reach a consensus on issues such as asset division, alimony, custody, and child support without going to trial. In the end, both parties sign off on a divorce agreement that they agree is fair.
An uncontested divorce is more cost-effective and resolves much faster than a contested one. But, as you can imagine, there are many instances where couples can’t agree on these terms. When you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement on key issues, your case is treated as a contested divorce. The court may ultimately have to decide those issues if you still can’t settle.
Signs You May Need a Contested Divorce
Some situations make it more likely that your divorce will be complex enough to require court intervention. Here are some signs you may need to pursue a contested divorce:
- You can not reach an agreement on key issues.
- There was domestic violence or manipulation in the marriage.
- One or both of you have significant debt.
- You suspect your spouse is hiding assets.
These are just some markers that you’ll be better off going through the contested divorce process. Ultimately, when you reach out for a confidential consultation at The Cimino Law Firm, Michelle Cimino will be able to better assess your situation.
No matter your situation, she will help you secure your fair share of the assets you earned in your marriage. She will also help you advocate for yourself as you navigate child custody, spousal support, and other contentious parts of your divorce.
How a Contested Divorce Attorney Will Support You
When you’re going through a divorce, it’s especially frustrating to realize that you and your spouse won’t reach an agreement. But a contested divorce lawyer is ready to support you and advocate for a more favorable outcome.
A contested divorce lawyer knows how to identify, value, and divide assets and debts. Relatedly, they know how to uncover hidden assets, so nothing is left out. If you had children with your spouse, they can also help you secure or increase custody of your children.
Beyond legal strategy, a divorce attorney can provide emotional protection during the legal process. Your attorney serves as a buffer between you and your spouse, helping you feel safe if your marriage involved domestic abuse or manipulation.
Michelle Cimino is here to support you through the entire process. With 20+ years of experience in family and divorce law, she has built a reputation as one of the best divorce attorneys in Rochester. Backed by countless success stories, you can count on her to negotiate with purpose and deliver the outcome you deserve.
Book a Confidential Consultation With a Divorce Attorney
Divorce is stressful enough. When you and your spouse can’t agree on important issues, it can quickly become overwhelming. In some cases, moving forward with a contested divorce is the best way to protect your well-being, especially if your marriage involved domestic violence, complex finances, or hidden assets. The right lawyer will guide you through the process, build a strong case on your behalf, and serve as a protective buffer between you and your spouse.
Michelle Cimino is an expert in family law with experience negotiating emotionally-charged contested divorces.
Schedule a confidential consultation today to learn how we can support you in your divorce.
