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Contested Divorce in Tampa, FL

Differences Between Uncontested & Contested Divorce

As a marriage between two people comes to a close, there are a lot of emotions, practical concerns, and financial repercussions. One of the primary considerations is whether you will file for an uncontested or contested divorce in Tampa. The status of your relationship and the complexities related to it will often determine which path you choose.

Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree to all the terms. One of the parties will file a joint petition with the courts. Both will have decided on issues such as child custody, child support, division of marital assets, and alimony. Uncontested divorces typically cost around $1500 and take approximately 30 days.

Contested Divorce

One of the first steps in a contested divorce is to find a good divorce lawyer. One spouse will hire an attorney to draft documents, which then get filed in court to open the case. The other spouse will get served the papers and have a chance to respond. Both parties will assess and request alterations to the documents until they agree. If they cannot agree, a judge will review the case in trial and make a final judgment. A contested divorce can cost as little as $5000 and may take as few as six months, but often exceeds those numbers.