Contested Divorce

Skilled Legal Advocacy for Complex and Contested Divorce Cases in Rockville, Maryland

Navigating a divorce can be challenging, especially when there are disagreements between spouses on critical matters. In these situations, you need to work closely with an experienced contested divorce attorney. At the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, we focus on providing reliable legal guidance for individuals facing contested divorces in Rockville, Maryland. Our team of experienced legal professionals understands the emotional and legal complexities that come with a contested divorce. With a personalized approach and extensive knowledge of Maryland’s legal landscape, we are dedicated to helping our clients pursue their interests during this difficult time.

Schedule a meeting with our founding contested divorce attorney in Rockville by calling the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee at (301) 279-0692 or contacting us online.

What is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce is a legal proceeding in which the spouses cannot agree on important issues surrounding a divorce, such as property division, child custody, alimony, or child support. Unlike an uncontested divorce, where both parties mutually agree on all terms, a contested divorce requires court intervention due to disagreements. These disputes can arise from various factors, including differences in financial expectations, parenting philosophies, or emotional conflicts. While a contested divorce includes any divorce case in which the spouses are not in full agreement on the issues, a case involving many or more extreme disagreements may be characterized as high-conflict divorce.

Common Reasons for a Contested Divorce

Contested divorces can stem from a range of underlying issues. Some common reasons include:

Property Division: Disputes arise when determining how marital assets and debts should be divided. Our firm focuses on ensuring equitable distribution, considering factors such as each spouse’s contribution to the marriage and their financial circumstances.

Child Custody and Visitation: Differences in parenting philosophies can lead to conflicts when determining child custody and visitation arrangements. Our legal team prioritizes the well-being of the children while advocating for parental rights.

Alimony and Spousal Support: Disagreements may arise over the amount and duration of alimony payments. Our experienced attorneys strive to establish fair alimony terms, considering factors such as financial situations, contributions during the marriage, and potential for self-support.

Child Support: Determining child support amounts can be a source of dispute, especially when variables such as income and medical needs come into play. Our firm ensures that child support arrangements are accurate and compliant with Maryland’s guidelines.

Complex Financial Situations: Divorce proceedings can become complicated when there are high-value assets, businesses, or investments involved. Our experience and in-depth knowledge of these matters allows us to effectively navigate these complex financial matters and protect our clients’ interests. We are well-equipped to handle cases requiring financial dissipation analysis.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Maryland?

The duration of a contested divorce in Maryland can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the issues, willingness to negotiate, and the court’s caseload. On average, a contested divorce in Maryland typically takes several months to over a year to resolve. While it’s understandable to desire a quick resolution, rushing through the process can lead to unfavorable situations that may cause more problems in the long run.

A contested divorce in Maryland typically takes longer than an uncontested one due to disagreements on issues such as property division, child custody, and alimony. The duration can vary significantly, depending on the complexity of the case and the specific issues being contested. These timelines can be influenced by various factors, including court schedules, the cooperation (or lack thereof) between the parties, and the need for additional legal procedures such as discovery or coordination of third-party evaluations.

Different Approaches Are Suitable for Varying Types of Contested Divorce Cases in Maryland

Different approaches to contested divorce in Maryland can be appropriate depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the level of cooperation or hostility between the parties.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR), involves pursuing agreement on divorce-related matters outside of litigation, and it can encompass various techniques like arbitration and negotiation, designed to avoid traditional court proceedings. ADR can be beneficial for maintaining relationships, saving time and money, and providing more control over the outcome.

One such approach is collaborative divorce, where both parties and their attorneys agree to resolve all issues without going to court. This process allows for a more amicable resolution and often leads to less stress and lower costs.

In cases where communication is viable but disagreements persist, divorce mediation might be a suitable option. In this scenario, a neutral third-party mediator helps the parties negotiate and reach agreements on disputed matters. This process can promote better communication, maintain privacy, and potentially lead to a faster resolution.

Each of these methods requires the parties to actively participate and cooperate to some degree. The choice between them depends on the unique circumstances of each case, including the complexity of the issues, the relationship between the parties, and their willingness to compromise.

Some Types of Contested Divorces May Require Extra Attention

High-conflict and high-asset divorce cases in Maryland often require extra attention due to their complex nature. High-conflict divorces may involve intense disagreements, hostility, or even abuse, making negotiations and resolution more difficult. In such cases, the court may need to intervene more directly to ensure a fair decision, and professional help such as therapists or child specialists might be needed to manage the emotional turmoil.

In high-asset divorces, the stakes are higher due to substantial assets involved. These cases often require detailed financial analysis to ensure an equitable distribution of assets. This can include business valuations, property appraisals, and analysis of various types of financial investments.

Furthermore, high-asset divorces may sometimes involve dissipation of marital assets, where one spouse has wastefully spent, transferred, or hidden these assets without the other’s consent. Proving such dissipation can affect how property is divided. A thorough financial dissipation analysis is often required to uncover and prove instances of dissipation, which can involve tracing funds, analyzing financial records, and potentially hiring forensic accountants.

Both high-conflict divorce and high-asset divorce cases often necessitate additional resources and relevant experience to handle the complexities involved and ensure a fair resolution for all parties. At the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, we have decades of experience helping clients with all types of contested divorces cases, ranging from those involving amicable collaboration to fierce hostility. We are prepared to assess your unique needs and guide you through the storm to the other side so you can pursue the future you envision.

Contact the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee Today

When it comes to contested divorces, having the right legal counsel is key to effectively protecting your interests and moving forward with your life. The Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee is here to provide unwavering support and guidance for individuals facing complex legal battles in Maryland. We have a comprehensive understanding of Maryland’s family law statutes, and our client-centered approach empowers us to advocate for your rights while minimizing stress and uncertainty.

If you have questions about contested divorce in Maryland or you need assistance with your divorce case, reach out to us today. Contact our founding contested divorce attorney at the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee today by calling (301) 279-0692, or fill out the short form on our website. We aim to respond within one business day, often the same day. Your questions are welcome, and we respect your privacy.

We offer multiple options for our initial information-gathering session to cater to your convenience. You can choose to meet with us in person at our boutique law office in Rockville, Maryland, or conduct the session via Zoom video conference or over the phone. We understand the importance of flexibility, and that’s why we offer evening and weekend appointments as well.