Navigating a contested divorce can be a complex and challenging journey, often resulting in a considerable financial and emotional investment.

Here’s a breakdown of some key aspects that contribute to the average cost of contested divorces, currently standing at $15,000 or more.

Hourly Billing Dynamics:

The adoption of hourly billing practices tends to drive up the overall cost of contested divorces. This method, common in the legal field, means that every hour spent on the case incurs charges, contributing to the final expense.

Lengthy Proceedings:

Contested divorces are characterized by prolonged legal proceedings. The inability of spouses to reach agreements on critical issues, such as child custody, property division, or spousal support, often leads to extended legal battles, further increasing the expenses involved.

Attorney Representation:

In contested divorces, both parties typically hire attorneys to represent their respective interests. This offline and sometimes inconvenient process adds another layer of complexity and cost to the proceedings.

Adversarial Nature:

The inherent adversarial nature of contested divorces can exacerbate emotional stress and strain for both spouses and their families.

The courtroom setting and legal confrontations may escalate tensions, making the overall experience more challenging.

Court-Determined Outcomes:

In the absence of a settlement between the parties, the final divorce judgment and terms are ultimately determined by the court.

Unfortunately, these court decisions may not fully align with the preferences and desires of either spouse.