What Can I Expect From a Contested Divorce Lawyer?

A contested divorce is when spouses are in conflict. This is often not in the best interests of the children involved or the spouses. This is especially true for 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 that the parties disclose certain documents. As required by law, spouses must give a copy of any financial records. 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. The spouse who has agreed to divorce will have 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. 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. Sometimes, the court may order an expert to be used and make a final determination.

The attorneys might try to resolve a contested 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.

Although a divorce is a legal matter, it can take several weeks to complete. A contested divorce may also result in a financial or emotional 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. A negotiated divorce should be as affordable as possible for both of you.

Law Office of Russell D. Knight

1165 N Clark St # 700, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

(773) 334 6311