Contested & Non-Contested Divorces

Divorce experiences vary, and not all divorces are contentious. 

A non-contested divorce occurs when both parties agree on major issues like property division, retirement accounts, child custody, child support, and spousal support. Attorneys assist in drafting an agreement, submitted to the court for approval. Even with agreement, seeking legal advice is wise to ensure court approval and protect individual rights.

A Fort Worth, Texas divorce law attorney can't represent both spouses due to a conflict of interest. Non-contested divorces are generally less costly than contested ones.

Contested divorces involve disagreements on critical issues like property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. These often undergo multiple hearings, require financial documentation, depositions, and custody studies. Contested divorces can take over a year to resolve, culminating in a trial before a judge who issues orders on property division, support, and custody arrangements.

While trials may be necessary to protect rights, reaching a compromise through agreement is often preferable, promoting greater satisfaction compared to decisions imposed by a judge.