What Can I Expect From a Contested Divorce Lawyer?

A contested divorce is a legal dispute that pits spouses against one another. It is not always in the best interest of the children or the spouses involved. This is particularly true of couples with children. Parents must work together to ensure the well-being of their children until they reach adulthood. Cooperation may not be possible after a contested divorce. An experienced contested divorce lawyer can help you protect your rights and keep the proceedings civil.

Divorce proceedings can be complicated and involve many moving parts. A financial disclosure form must be filed for a contested divorce. The form requires the parties to 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. They are required to provide these details in order to make sure that the divorce will proceed as smoothly as possible.

The length of a divorce case will depend on the amount of time it takes for the spouses to file a response. If the spouses agree to divorce, the spouse will need 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. A court will also ask about the availability of 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. Sometimes, the court may order an expert to be used and make a final determination.

During the contested divorce, the attorneys may attempt to settle a divorce through mediation. Even though mediation is not required in Illinois, it can prove beneficial for spouses who are close to one another. The trained mediator can help the parties reach a settlement, without the need for 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.

While a divorce is a legal dispute, it can take weeks or even months to finalize. A contested divorce may also result in a financial or emotional 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