Contested Divorce in Norfolk

A contested divorce is usually the result of two spouses who are unable to agree on issues such as:

  • Property
  • Children
  • Spousal support

No matter what a couple disagrees over, a contested divorce tends to be a long, drawn-out affair involving divorce attorneys and contention.  Often, couples cannot agree on the terms of a divorce because the communication between them is strained, and a legal battle certainly does not help to encourage warm sentiment between two people.   Rather, getting the terms you seek on a contested divorce often means not being nice and standing your ground.

Ways to resolve a contested divorce

In order to resolve the contested issues of a divorce, couples have different options.  The first is something called Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).  ADR is a way for couples who cannot agree to solve their differences out of court.   In a divorce, the most popular types of ADR are:

  • Arbitration

Each method has different benefits and should be discussed with your attorney.

If ADR fails or is not a viable solution for a couple, the other option is to proceed with litigation and let the court make the final decision about a disagreement. But keep in mind that dissolving a marriage in this manner could take a year or two and often involves considerable attorney fees.

Managing a Norfolk contested divorce

Financial issues are often contested in a Norfolk divorce.  To help you in a fight of this nature, it is important that you have a team consisting of:

  • A lawyer
  • An accountant or financial advisor
  • An insurance agent

Also, as soon as the intention for a divorce is clear, it is important to secure copies of the following important documents:

  • Financial statements
  • Tax returns
  • Insurance policies
  • Wills/trusts
  • Deeds/titles to real property
  • Retirement account statements
  • Pay stubs
  • Anything related to small business such a ledgers, payroll, tax returns and expense account records

Assistance with a Norfolk contested divorce

Divorce is never easy, but the Norfolk divorce law firm of Stallings & Bischoff, P.C., can help make it as simple as possible. If you are going through a contested divorce in Norfolk, we will see to it that issues such as alimony, child custody and property division are decided fairly and realistically. For help with your divorce, contact us today.