Going through a divorce involves compromise and collaboration. If you and your spouse cannot agree on every issue regarding your child/ren, marital property, or spousal support, the divorce proceedings become contested. During this type of dissolution, you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse present arguments about what you believe you are entitled to before the judge makes the final decision. Because the outcome of a divorce can affect the rest of your life, working with a seasoned attorney is always worthwhile.
At the Colwell Law Group, LLC, our reputable legal team provides compassionate and knowledgeable support to people going through the divorce process. Our experienced divorce attorneys understand the unique concerns that families face in these circumstances and could help them overcome these obstacles. Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Syracuse contested divorce lawyer to discuss how we could support you.
In a contested divorce, spouses have different opinions about some or all of the legal issues involved in ending their marriage. For example, one spouse may not think it is necessary to dissolve the union or disagree on the specific reason for the divorce. More often, the spouses agree on the decision to divorce but have conflicting views on how to divide their assets or handle child custody.
Divorce proceedings can start out uncontested and then become contested if the spouses encounter problems they cannot agree on. Contested divorce attorneys in Syracuse help families navigate these disagreements by trying to develop workable solutions. A lawyer could also review any proposed settlement agreements (such as a parenting plan) to determine if they align with their client’s best interests.
New York Domestic Relations Law § 170 outlines the many reasons people can provide as grounds for ending their marriage. Most couples decide to end their marriage on the basis that it has irretrievably broken down for at least six (6) months.
Spouses seeking to end the union on these or other grounds may have to meet additional requirements. For example, a spouse may need to show that they meet the residency criteria under N.Y. Dom. Rel. § 230 when they file for divorce. One way to accomplish this is by showing that the couple was married in New York and at least one spouse had lived in the state continuously for at least one (1) year before the proceedings began.
Navigating the requirements involved with a contested divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when discussing sensitive topics such as spousal support and child custody. Syracuse attorneys could offer clarity and stability during the contested divorce process, representing their client’s goals and interests every step of the way.
It may have been challenging enough to end your relationship, making it all the more overwhelming to now have to negotiate with your spouse about how to split up the life you built together. You may disagree on the reasons for the divorce, how to divide parenting time between each other, and how to handle asset division. You have every right to try to solve these issues without legal assistance, but you may find that working with an attorney helps alleviate the pressure.
At the Colwell Law Group, LLC, we appreciate the uniqueness of every person and situation. Our team strives to provide personalized advice that aligns with your values and best interests. Contact a Syracuse contested divorce lawyer to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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