Contested Divorce? Here Are Your Options.
Divorce Bob prepares documents for couples who already agree. If that's not you, don't force it. Here's how to tell, and what to do instead.
Five signs your divorce is contested
1. Your spouse refuses to divorce, or you can't locate them
If your spouse won't sign or can't be found, the court process changes significantly. Some states allow service by publication, but the timeline and requirements get harder without agreement.
2. You disagree about property or debts
A house one of you wants to keep, a business, retirement accounts, or debt one of you says isn't theirs. If you can't reach a written agreement, a judge decides, and that means lawyers.
3. You disagree about the children
Custody, visitation schedules, or child support. Courts scrutinise these closely, and disagreement here is the most common reason a divorce becomes contested.
4. One of you wants spousal support the other refuses
Alimony disputes are decided on state-specific factors like marriage length and earning capacity. Without agreement, this needs representation.
5. There is a history of abuse or intimidation
If you don't feel safe negotiating with your spouse, do not try to handle this alone. An attorney protects you, and protective orders exist for a reason.
Your three realistic paths
1. Talk to a family law attorney
For genuine disputes over children, property, or support, an attorney is not a luxury. Most offer a free initial consultation, and knowing where you actually stand often makes the rest of the process shorter and cheaper.
We may earn a referral fee if you hire through these links, at no extra cost to you.
2. Try mediation first
A neutral mediator costs $100 to $300 per hour, and most couples resolve everything in 3 to 5 sessions. That's thousands, not tens of thousands, and once you have a signed agreement your divorce becomes uncontested.
Read our mediation guide →3. File uncontested for a flat $299
If reading this page made you realise you and your spouse agree on everything that matters, you don't need a courtroom. We prepare your state's court-ready documents within 24 hours.
Start Your Divorce — $299