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. In order to ensure that the kids are well cared for, parents must work together until the children reach adulthood. Cooperation may not be possible after a contested divorce. 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 the parties to disclose certain documents. As required by law, spouses must give a copy of any financial records. These forms are called 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. The spouse who has agreed to divorce will have to sign the divorce papers. In some states, there is a waiting period before finalizing the divorce. 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. Some common experts are accountants, forensic accountants, and pension analysts. They will track marital money and assets, as well as employability specialists for people who are not working. In some cases, the court will order the use of an expert, and then make a final decision.

The attorneys might try to resolve a contested 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.

While a divorce is a legal dispute, it can take weeks or even months to finalize. A contested divorce can also be an emotional or financial battle. Uncontested divorce can be expensive and stressful. But it can also be a great way to avoid a contested divorce. A lawyer can help make the process as smooth and painless 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