The conventional approach to divorce is also known as a contested divorce. This method is used for marriage splits when there are significant disagreements between the spouses on several issues, including alimony, asset division, child support, child custody, etc. A contested divorce lawyer Huntsville will help in navigating you through the process.
A contested divorce is also applicable in cases where only one partner is willing to end the marriage, and the other is not. If one partner files for divorce with the fault process while the other uses no fault, the divorce is also deemed contested in that case. This approach to divorce is generally more time-taking and costly than other approaches, as this process requires the involvement of the court, the cost of an attorney, and even divorce trials.
They are also more stress-inducing and last longer than other divorce methods. There are several steps involved in the process of finalizing a divorce. These steps are as follows:
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Filing petition
A divorce petition is prepared and filed. The petition must contain the spouses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers. It also specifies if the spouses meet the state’s requirements. Details such as the date, location, and spouses’ names before marriage are also provided. The date and reason of separation, along with the birthdates of children from the family, must be included in the petition. Details regarding spousal support and child support are discussed in it, and if the spouse is willing to get custody of the child, there must be a mention of that as well. Marital and separate property should be stated in the petition as well.
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Response to the petition
If one partner files for divorce, the other will be granted a certain amount of time to reply to all the allegations made in the complaint. If there is no response, the other spouse can request a default divorce. The period for responding generally lasts 21 to 28 days. The answer must reply to all the allegations made in the complaint.
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Hiring an attorney
Both spouses interview and consider attorneys for their cases.
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Divorce discovery
This process involves the collection of all the legal documents to get information regarding the divorce from the spouses and other witnesses.
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Settlement
Often, couples decide not to take the case to court and settle it independently. However, it is not always sure that all settlements have a successful outcome.
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Trial
If the settlement does not happen, both parties prepare for a trial. During the trial, cross-questioning takes place. The judge gives the final judgment after assessing the situation. And after the trial’s result, if any party has any issues, they can appeal the judge’s decision.