Contested vs Uncontested Divorce: What Is the Difference? - Ryan Besinque

From The Law Office of Ryan Besinque – Contested vs Uncontested Divorce: What Is the Difference? explores the distinctions, challenges, and decision points between two major approaches to dissolving a marriage.

In this episode, we’ll break down the definitions of contested and uncontested divorce—how an uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on critical issues like asset division, child custody, and support, versus a contested divorce where one or more disputes require court intervention. We’ll unpack why the type of divorce matters and what it means in practice for couples navigating the process.

Then, we’ll dive into the key differences: the complexity of the case, how long each process tends to take (for example, uncontested cases in New York may take 3–6 months, whereas contested ones may stretch 9 months or more), and the difference in costs and emotional toll on all involved. We’ll also discuss how the degree of cooperation—or lack thereof—can shift a case from uncontested to contested midstream.

Finally, we’ll help listeners think through: which path might be right for them? If spouses can communicate and compromise, uncontested may offer a smoother, quicker, and less expensive route. But if significant disagreement exists—over finances, custody, or spousal support—a contested route may be unavoidable. In either scenario, having knowledgeable legal guidance from a firm like The Law Office of Ryan Besinque can help protect your interests and lead toward a resolution that works best for your family.

 

The Law Office of Ryan Besinque

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