What Happens in a Contested Divorce?
Nobody ever imagines getting a divorce at the time they are first married, however, divorces are perhaps more common than you think. If you are getting divorced and cannot agree on its terms with your spouse, you are in what is known as a contested divorce.
These divorces will very often enter the litigation process, which is when you and your spouse appear before a court and the outcome of your divorce is decided by a judge. In litigation, your marital assets will be subject to equitable distribution. However, you should understand that the phrase “equitable” seldom means “equal” or “50/50.” Instead, the phrase more closely means a fair and just distribution of your assets, in the eyes of the court.
Rather obviously, in many circumstances, both spouses are left feeling dissatisfied with the court’s decision–and understandably so–there are many more assets than those of monetary value at stake in a contested divorce. For example, child custody terms are one of the most sensitive issues in these divorces because no parent wants to limit, or completely relinquish their parenting time. However, this is very often the case when divorce enters the litigation process, which is why you need an experienced attorney on your side.
Fortunately, oftentimes, contested divorces can become uncontested via the mediation process. When you retain the services of a divorce mediator, you and your spouse will speak with an unbiased third-party who is trained in facilitating productive, civil conversation between you and your spouse. If all goes as planned, both you, your spouse, and the mediator will reach an agreement regarding the terms of your divorce that work for you both, all while outside of the courtroom setting. Our firm will be happy to assist you in the mediation process.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
Matters of divorce or family law require the assistance of a compassionate, experienced attorney. Our firm recognizes that divorce is far more than a legal process; it is an emotional process as well. If you need a New Jersey divorce and family law attorney, contact Lazor Rantas PC today to schedule a consultation.
