How Can I Avoid a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce can cause stress, frustration, and emotional pain for everyone involved. As a result, you should do everything in your power to avoid going through a contested divorce.

Below is some advice on how to avoid a contested divorce.

• Discuss the cost. First, you may be able to avoid a contested divorce by discussing with your spouse how expensive it can be. Contested divorces can last weeks or even months and cost both spouses a lot of time, money, and stress. In many cases, avoiding the cost of a contested divorce is enough motivation for a couple to end their marriage amicably.
• Discuss the effect on your children. If you have children, your primary concern should be their welfare, not obtaining custody. Talk to your spouse about how your divorce will affect the mental and emotional health of your children. It is possible for a couple to divorce and significantly reduce the impact the separation has on their children.
• Discuss how long it will take. For most couples, once discussion about divorce begins, the marriage has already ended. As a result, you and your spouse probably want to move on with your lives as soon as possible. Explain to your spouse that a contested divorce can become drawn out and prevent either of you from living your lives.

Sometimes no amount of talking can resolve the issues that lead to divorce. When this happens, you must retain aggressive legal counsel as quickly as possible.