Contested Divorce

When you have decided to file for an Oklahoma divorce you have made one of the biggest decisions of your life, but it is really just the first of a series of decisions that must be made. A divorce is a life changing event on many levels, and if it began and ended with the cessation of the emotional, romantic connection it would be a very big deal. But when you get married you forge a multi-leveled partnership as co-owners of the same property and parents of the same children that is difficult to dissolve.

Once the divorce petition has been filed, the parties involved and/or their respective attorneys are going to have to discuss the terms. To be specific these include the division of community property and any debt that the former partners incurred together; possible spousal support; and child custody, visitation, and support. If the divorcing couple can reach an agreement on all of these terms the divorce is said to be uncontested. If they cannot, the parties are engaged in a contested divorce proceeding.

The court would be charged with the responsibility of making the final determination on any contested terms if no agreement can be reached. However, the state would greatly prefer that the parties reach concurrence voluntarily because no one wants a third party to step in and make decisions that impact them on such a personal level. Contested divorces are also expensive due to the legal work involved, and they are going to leave hard feelings in their wake.

Divorced parents of the same children are going to have to interact for the rest of their lives. Doing so under a persistent cloud of ill will that coalesced as a result of a bitterly contested divorce will be difficult for all concerned, so it is best to do everything possible to reach an agreement voluntarily rather than fighting it out in court.

If you are going through a contested divorce contact an experienced Lawton OK divorce lawyer to be certain that your interests are being vigorously advocated.