“I can’t take this anymore! You’re being unreasonable.”
When push comes to shove and you find yourselves at the crux of a contested divorce, it’s important that you know what to expect. A contested Maryland divorce is more complex than an uncontested divorce in four key ways:
1. A contested divorce costs more.
Because a contested divorce typically goes to trial, the legal costs are much higher. It can easily cost several thousand dollars.
2. A contested divorce takes longer.
The process of preparing for a trial and going to court is time-consuming. You may need to attend several different hearings before the actual trial even begins.
3. A contested divorce is open to the public.
This may not matter to a regular Joe or Jane, but if you are a prominent person in the community, you should know that contesting a divorce takes away the privacy of the divorce proceedings.
4. A contested divorce gives the judge control.
In an uncontested divorce, the spouses mutually agree on the terms of the settlement, which a judge then finalizes. In a contested divorce, it’s up to the judge to hear both spouses’ arguments for what grounds or terms of divorce they want and why. Then the judge makes the final determination on child custody, alimony, and more.
Before you rush into a contested divorce, speak to a skilled Maryland divorce attorney who can make sure that you have the evidence you need to win the case. Call Nickelsporn & Lundin at 800-875-9700 for a free consultation.