317.745.4494
Call to Schedule an Appointment

What is a Contested Divorce?

The best and most expedient way to resolve a divorce is when both parties are interested in being cordial and cooperating with each other during the process. As such, each party will find common ground. All of a separating couple’s issues, or at least most of the relevant issues at hand, can be worked out rather easily. When this happens, the divorce may still be emotional, but getting through it can be less stressful, more productive, and quicker to resolve.

Uncontested divorces happen often, but then, so do contested divorces. There are significant differences in how contested and uncontested divorce play out. If you are facing a divorce, it is in your best interest to have legal support on your side protecting your rights and helping you secure the most favorable outcome. In Indiana, Christopher L. Arrington is a Danville divorce attorney who can assist you throughout each stage of your divorce.

Why Do Contested Divorces Happen?

There are many reasons why married couples decide to separate and dissolve their marriage. It is not uncommon to have negative feelings between separating parties for one reason or another. When this happens, the willingness to be cooperative becomes much tougher. In addition, the serious issues that have to be ironed out in a divorce can also be intense. 

When determining the terms of divorce some of the considerations that must be addressed include:

  • Dividing up marital assets.
  • Determining custody plans for children.
  • Devising parent-time schedules.
  • Calculating child support payments.
  • Working out spousal support and alimony.

Any one of these matters alone can lead to heated and contentious back and forth. When many of these points must be addressed for a divorce to come to a completion, the strain and pressure can be overwhelming for even the most congenial couple. This is true especially when there is considerable disagreement.

If a couple already has a pernicious relationship going into a divorce, finding areas of common ground may be impossible. In these cases, the divorce is considered a contested divorce. The courts will then play a key role in examining the details of the divorce and making decisions on what the best conclusion should be.

Contested divorces in Indiana can happen because the couple is unable to see eye-to-eye. But they can also come about in other ways under Indiana divorce statutes. It is possible to have a contested divorce if one partner is impotent, was convicted of a felony, or has been suffering from severe mental insanity.

While contested divorces can take longer to resolve and be more expensive than an uncontested divorce, the process of discovery may take place. During this investigatory period, if one spouse is being deceitful and trying to hide assets from the other, this wealth may come to light through discovery.

Speak to a Danville Divorce Attorney Today

When you decide that divorce is inevitable, call Christopher L. Arrington to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation at (317) 745-4494. Whether it is coming to a mutually agreeable solution outside of court or litigating through the court system, Christopher L. Arrington is an Indiana divorce lawyer that will be prepared to preserve your best interests.



« Back to Arrington Law Help Center