What is a Contested Divorce?
A contested divorce in Kansas City occurs when spouses cannot reach an agreement on one or more important issues required to finalize their divorce. These disagreements often involve matters like child custody, division of property, spousal support (alimony), or even whether the divorce should happen at all.
Because these issues must be resolved—either through negotiation or a judge’s ruling—a contested divorce can take longer, cost more, and involve greater emotional strain than an uncontested divorce. If you’re in the middle of a contested divorce in Kansas City, knowing what to expect and working with the right legal team can help you protect your rights and move forward with clarity.
What Makes a Divorce “Contested”?
A contested divorce in Kansas City doesn’t necessarily mean the spouses are constantly fighting or in conflict. It simply means they have at least one unresolved issue that must be decided by a judge. Common areas of disagreement in a contested divorce include:
- Who will get primary custody of the children
- How much parenting time each parent should have
- How to divide property and debts
- Whether one spouse should pay spousal support (alimony) and how much
- Who keeps the family home
- How to handle retirement accounts or businesses
When even one of these issues is unresolved, the case becomes a contested divorce, and a judge will ultimately make the final decision.
The Contested Divorce Process in Kansas City
Going through a contested divorce in Kansas City involves several legal steps, each with specific legal procedures. Here’s what the process usually looks like:
- Filing the Petition: One spouse (the petitioner) files a divorce petition with the court. This starts the legal process.
- Serving the Other Spouse: The other spouse (the respondent) is formally served with divorce papers and given a chance to respond.
- Temporary Orders: The court may issue temporary orders for child custody, support, or use of property while the case is ongoing.
- Discovery Phase: Each side gathers financial documents, witness statements, and other evidence. This step is critical in a contested divorce, especially in cases involving complex assets or custody disputes.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Many contested divorce cases in Kansas City are resolved through negotiation or court-ordered mediation. If an agreement is reached, the case becomes uncontested and can move toward finalization.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial. Each spouse presents evidence and arguments, and the judge makes the final decision.
- Final Decree of Divorce: The judge signs the divorce decree, finalizing the case and legally ending the marriage.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Kansas City?
The timeline for a contested divorce in Kansas City depends on the complexity of the case and how willing each side is to negotiate. Some contested divorces are resolved in a few months. Others may take a year or longer, especially if they go to trial.
Delays can happen during the discovery phase, while waiting for court dates, or when dealing with expert witnesses (such as child psychologists or financial evaluators). Working with a skilled divorce attorney can help streamline the process and avoid unnecessary roadblocks.
How Much Does a Contested Divorce Cost?
The cost of a contested divorce in Kansas City varies widely. Generally, the more issues that are in dispute, the more expensive the divorce will be. Costs can include:
- Attorney’s fees
- Expert witness fees
- Mediation costs
- Court filing fees
While a contested divorce can be more expensive than an uncontested one, the stakes are often too high to settle without legal support—especially when children, valuable assets, or future income are on the line.
Do I Need Legal Representation in a Contested Divorce?
If you’re going through a contested divorce in Kansas City, having legal representation isn’t just helpful—it’s critical. These cases often involve complex issues, emotional tension, and decisions that can impact your finances, family, and future for years to come.
An experienced family law attorney can:
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
- Represent your interests during negotiations or mediation
- Build a strong case with the right documents and evidence
- Prepare you for court and advocate for your goals at trial
- Ensure that deadlines and court rules are followed carefully
Trying to navigate a contested divorce alone can lead to costly mistakes. With the right legal support, you’ll be better equipped to protect what matters most.
Get Help With Your Contested Divorce in Kansas City
At Kansas Legal Group, we know how high the stakes are during a contested divorce. Whether you’re fighting for custody, protecting your property, or facing unfair demands, our team of experienced divorce attorneys help you take control of the process and move forward with confidence.
Reach out to our Kansas City team today to schedule a consultation. Let’s protect what matters most and start building your next chapter.