Legal Definitions - contested divorce

A contested divorce is a legal process in which one spouse opposes the divorce in court or in which the spouses litigate. This means that although both spouses may want the divorce, they disagree on the terms of the divorce decree. In contrast, an uncontested divorce is one in which both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce.

For example, if one spouse wants to end the marriage but the other spouse wants to stay married, the divorce is contested. Another example is when both spouses want to end the marriage, but they disagree on issues such as child custody, alimony, or property division.

In a contested divorce, the court will hear evidence and arguments from both sides and make a decision on the terms of the divorce decree. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, and it may require the assistance of attorneys and other professionals.