Contested Divorce Lawyer in Seattle
What is Contested Divorce?
Contested divorce is when two parties in a marriage cannot come to an agreement and must have the court decide on aspects of the divorce. This may include division of assets, support payments, and custody arrangement. This type of divorce can be extremely challenging, both emotionally and financially.
It is important for couples who are considering a contested divorce to understand that it is not just about splitting up assets, but also involves costly legal fees and potential damage caused by airing private information in public.
It takes longer than other types of divorces because each party will need to prepare its case for court, which may take anywhere from months to years, depending on the complexity of the case.
Furthermore, these divorces often involve aggressive tactics such as using depositions or subpoenas to uncover information from both parties or taking out restraining orders.
The negatives associated with contested divorce are numerous. The process can be very expensive and lengthy, as mentioned before. It can also be incredibly stressful for all involved, increasing tension and hostility between the two parties.
Additionally, children may suffer due to the animosity caused by the proceedings and any decisions such as custody arrangements. Lastly, because of its public nature, private details may become exposed, potentially harming an individual’s reputation permanently.
Overall, we see contested divorce as a last resort for couples who cannot reach an agreement on their own.
Reasons We See Clients in a Contested Divorce
Despite the fact that less than 5% of divorce cases go to trial, sometimes a contested divorce is unavoidable. Below are reasons that our clients need to approach their divorce case in a contested manner:
We’ll help you through a contested process
We're here to support you with a range of legal services that you and your family may need.

What to expect from Contested Divorce
Common questions about contested divorce