Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Divorce Attorney

A Los Angeles divorce may be contested or uncontested. There are significant differences between these two types of divorce and how these may affect you and your family not only from a financial standpoint but from an emotional one as well. Generally speaking, an uncontested divorce is one where both parties can reach their own agreement regarding all of the issues that must be addressed: spousal support, property division, child support, child custody and visitation. If one or more of these issues cannot be agreed upon, the case will go to court and will be considered a contested divorce.

Considering the vastly important issues that will need to be resolved when you and your spouse divorce, it's no wonder that some divorces cannot be completed without the intervention of a family law judge. However, it is highly recommended that you attempt to reach your own agreements regarding the terms of your divorce in order to avoid the time and expense associated with a contested divorce in court. For example, an uncontested divorce may be completed in as little as 6 months. A contested divorce may take years to complete and will also be more expensive and time consuming for all parties involved. It may even lead to further breakdowns in any amicable relationship the divorcing spouses may have once shared.

Another important factor to consider is that you and your spouse may have more flexibility in arranging support, custody and property division arrangements without the intervention of a judge. You may have personal issues and concerns or difficult schedules that will come into play, and working these out on your own may mean that you will be able to reach a better result than what a judge would rule upon.

However, there are always those cases where spouses just can't reach agreements, cases involving domestic violence or similar situations that will require the intervention of the court. Whether you are considering a contested or uncontested divorce in the Los Angeles area, our firm can help.

Contact a Los Angeles divorce lawyer today.