Marta J. Papa, Law Offices

Marta J. Papa, P.C.

FAQ's

Showing You A Better Way

The duration of a contested divorce can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the issues involved, the backlog of cases in the court system, and the willingness of the parties to cooperate. In general, a contested divorce may take several months to several years to reach a resolution.
In cases where spouses cannot agree on any aspect of their divorce, including child custody, division of assets, and support, the court will make decisions on their behalf. Each party can present their arguments and evidence, and the court will consider various factors to determine a fair resolution. This may involve hearings, expert evaluations, and a potentially lengthy legal process.
Yes, it is possible to switch from a contested divorce to a non-contested divorce if both parties reach an agreement on the key issues. In such cases, the spouses can submit a revised settlement agreement to the court, indicating their mutual agreement, and request to change the status of their divorce from contested to non-contested.
Opting for mediation can offer several advantages, including a more cooperative and less adversarial process compared to a contested divorce. Mediation often saves time and money since it involves fewer court appearances. It also allows the spouses to have more control over the outcome and fosters open communication, which can be beneficial for post-divorce relationships, particularly when co-parenting children.
The agreements reached through mediation are typically not legally binding in themselves. However, once the spouses have reached an agreement, they can incorporate it into a legally binding document, such as a separation agreement or a consent order, with the assistance of their respective attorneys. This ensures that the terms agreed upon during mediation are enforceable by law.