Many times a pending dissolution of marriage will start out as uncontested, with everyone agreeing to everything, but can easily become contested.

A contested divorce is when the husband and wife cannot agree on a resolution of all issues, like the division of assets/debts, custody of and visitation with the minor children of the parties, and the payment of child support and/or alimony.  This process is generally lengthy and expensive.

Once a party retains our office, a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed with the Court.  The Petition and Summons is served on the other spouse.  The opposing spouse will have twenty (20) calendar days to file an Answer with the Court.  If an Answer has been filed within the required time period, the process begins with the request for various financial documents, seeking information about the parties’ assets, possibly taking depositions, holding mediation, and, if necessary, attending hearings to settle certain matters.  Ultimately, a final hearing or trial will be held before the Court.

Going through a divorce is stressful, but going through a contested divorce can be even more so.  It’s usually a good idea to hire an attorney to help you.  Yardley Law knows not only how to navigate the dissolution process, but as a neutral party, we can help eliminate some of the stress that comes with having to deal with the spouse you are divorcing.