It’s not unreasonable to assume most people get married with the intention of staying together forever. People don’t start thinking about divorce when they get married. Marriage takes work, respect, trust, and commitment as much as it takes love. If those things aren’t present in the relationship, divorce may not be far off. While an uncontested divorce can be fairly painless, the alternative can be devastating. You may want to speak with a Columbia divorce lawyer for help.

The Stresses of an Uncontested Divorce

Accepting that your marriage has reached its end is not going to be easy. You have probably invested a lot of time, love, and money into your marriage. Letting it go may be the most difficult thing you’ve ever done.

Everyone gets divorced for personal reasons, so no two divorces are ever the same. However, your reasons are just as valid as everyone else’s, and the decision to divorce is one only you and your spouse can make. Trust your instincts in your marriage, even when that means deciding to end it.

Generally, a contested divorce does not come out of nowhere. It is often the inevitable result of years of resentment, anger, confusion, and contention. You may not even be surprised when it ends, even if you are not the one to serve the papers. When the papers are served, the subsequent divorce process can be grueling. Your spouse may want to drag things out simply out of spite or seek to hurt you in other ways, such as demanding full custody of your children.

A contested divorce is usually devoid of compromise and can be detrimental to your mental and emotional health, as well as your finances. In this case, you and your spouse are incapable of sitting down and talking anything through. It is often up to the courts to make decisions for you when it comes to child custody, asset division, spousal support, and more.

A good divorce lawyer can help you avoid further complications as you navigate what is likely to be a painful process for all involved.

Missouri has one of the highest divorce rates in the country, with recent data from the CDC showing the divorce rate at 2.7 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. Additional data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services shows that the marriage rate that same year was around 5.8 per 1,000 residents. If you are struggling mentally with your divorce, a local support group like DivorceCare or NAMI Missouri may be able to help you move forward emotionally.

The Divorce Process in Missouri

The divorce process in Missouri is similar for uncontested and contested divorces alike. Both forms of divorce involve filing the right paperwork in the right county. However, contested divorces involve settling various disagreements with the court, while uncontested divorces may involve private agreements made by cooperating spouses without court intervention.

Throughout it all, you should consider hiring a divorce lawyer to help you navigate any potential setbacks. Here is a brief rundown of the divorce process in Missouri:

  • The process begins with filing the paperwork in the county where either you or your spouse currently resides. Depending on the county, you may have to pay a filing fee. A lawyer can walk you through the paperwork and ensure you don’t make any filing mistakes.
  • Once the paperwork is filed, your spouse must be served with the divorce papers. This can be a messy and emotional step, but it’s wholly necessary to move the process forward. Your spouse, who is called the respondent in this situation, has 30 days to respond to the petition.
  • In a contested divorce, both parties’ legal teams engage in the discovery process. During the discovery process, both parties will gather information about the divorce that could end up influencing various aspects of the case, like asset division and child custody.

FAQs

Q: Is a Divorce Lawyer Really Necessary?

A: When it comes to a contested divorce, a divorce lawyer is necessary. It can be difficult and confusing to go through a contested divorce without help. You could end up in a bad situation, owing a great deal of money to someone you may now detest. A good lawyer can help you figure out a viable solution to your divorce and make sure your spouse doesn’t try to take advantage of you.

Q: How Long Will My Divorce Take?

A: Your divorce will take as long as it needs to be finalized. Every divorce is different, with each case having its own contributing factors that influence the amount of time it takes for your divorce to finalize. If you have significant marital assets, issues over child custody, or a total unwillingness to compromise, it can make your divorce drag on for months or possibly even years.

Q: What’s Positive About a Contested Divorce?

A: Contested divorces are generally considered the worst-case scenario, so there aren’t a lot of positive aspects to consider. One of the benefits, however, is the fact that you will likely have an experienced legal professional by your side throughout the entire process. If any sudden setbacks arise, they can help you sort things out before continuing on through your divorce. A good lawyer can provide you with consistent advice and help.

Q: What’s Negative About a Contested Divorce?

A: There are many negative aspects to consider in a contested divorce. These divorces are often drawn out, complicated, and spiteful. One of the worst things about a contested divorce is the overall cost. The longer it takes your divorce to finalize, the more it is likely going to cost you in the long run. Aside from court costs, you may also have to spend more on spousal support, child support, and loss of assets.

Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer Today

A contested divorce can be a difficult and emotionally draining process, especially if you do not have legal representation to help you through it. The right lawyer can make all the difference as you attempt to sever ties with your spouse.

The legal team at Stange Law Firm can help you put together a strong case to make sure you don’t lose important assets in your divorce. It may not be easy, but we can help you fight for yourself. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about your case.