No couple ever imagines the day when they wish to permanently end their marriage. Unfortunately, however, the reality is that in today’s society, roughly 50% of all marriages end in divorce. That said, some couples are capable of ending their marriage amicably and without any disagreements, while for other couples, this is impossible. Please continue reading and reach out to a Farmington Hills divorce lawyer from Alan B. Cooper & Associates, PLLC to learn more about contested & uncontested divorce and how our firm can help protect your interests at every turn. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What makes a contested divorce different from an uncontested one?

When a couple can agree on all divorce-related terms, such as child custody, child support, spousal support (also known as alimony), and property division, they are in an uncontested divorce. That said, most divorces are not uncontested. If you’re in a contested divorce, meaning you can’t agree on all terms of your divorce, you will have to either go through mediation to work out a divorce agreement, or you’ll need to take your divorce to trial and litigate the matter. Unfortunately, litigated divorces are often more contentious and less private, which is why you’ll need a seasoned attorney in your corner who can effectively defend your best interests throughout the process.

Do I need a lawyer even for an uncontested divorce?

In short, yes you do. To start, your lawyer can handle all the paperwork and legal heavy lifting on your behalf, ensuring everything is filled out and completed properly. Further, an uncontested divorce can quickly turn contested. Often, couples will think they’re on the same page with everything, only to find that when it gets down to it, they actually don’t agree on one or more terms of their divorce. In this case, it’s paramount to have a competent attorney in your corner who is already familiar with your case and who can quickly pivot and go on the offensive. Our legal team has represented countless clients facing both contested and uncontested divorces over the years, and we are here to put that experience to work for you in your case as well. Contact us today so we can get started.