Las Vegas Contested Divorce Lawyer

The average contested divorce takes about 4 months to finalize. 

It is, however, normal for a contested divorce to drag on if one party is refusing to respect the other's rights.

Contested & Uncontested Divorce: Which Is Faster?

Uncontested divorces are typically faster than contested divorces. 

In an uncontested divorce, a lawyer will draft a marital settlement agreement, as well as any other needed paperwork. The lawyer and the individual requesting the divorce will then review the settlement, finalize the paperwork, and send a copy to the other party.

In a contested divorce, both parties have to file court papers that display what they want out of the divorce. Contested divorces have a reputation for being heated, expensive, and drawn out, as couples continue to fight over settlement issues. 

It is most beneficial for couples to reach out to an experienced Las Vegas contested divorce lawyer who can speed up the process—and save all the involved parties time and money.

How Does a Contested Divorce Work?

A divorce is officially contested when your spouse disagrees on any aspect of the filing. Once papers are served the receiving party has 30 days to respond to the petition. If you and your spouse fail to resolve the conflict, a judge will be assigned to the case.

A contested divorce involves the following procedures:

• You or your spouse will file a complaint, which is delivered to the other spouse;
• After filing the complaint, the other party has 30 days to respond with an answer;
• After receiving a response to the complaint, a case management conference is held;
• The presiding divorce court will enter a case management order; and
• Once an order is established, the contested divorce will undergo the discovery phase.

The discovery phase could take several months to complete. If children are involved in your divorce, a child custody evaluation will likely take place. If you and your spouse are unable to resolve your issues, your filing will go to trial to settle the terms of the divorce.

Contested Divorce Laws in Nevada

Contested divorces in Nevada involve legal proceedings where spouses cannot agree on key issues, necessitating court intervention. Navigating this complex process requires an understanding of the state's laws governing divorces.

1. Grounds for Divorce: Nevada is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither party needs to prove fault for the divorce to be granted. Frequent reasons for divorce include incompatibility or residing apart for a minimum of one year.

2. Property Division: In contested divorces, the court determines the equitable distribution of marital assets and debts. Nevada adheres to the concept of fair distribution, which may not necessarily entail an equal division but is determined to be just by the court.

3. Spousal Support: Alimony, or spousal support, may be awarded based on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and contributions to the marriage.

4. Child Custody and Support: The court prioritizes the best interests of the child when deciding custody and support matters. Considerations encompass the child's connections with each parent, the level of stability, and the capacity to create an appropriate environment.

5. Legal Representation: Given the complexity of contested divorces, legal representation is highly recommended. Both parties should enlist the assistance of a seasoned family law attorney to navigate the complexities of the legal process and champion their respective interests.

Navigating contested divorce laws in Nevada involves a comprehensive understanding of legal requirements and an ability to present a compelling case. Our experienced Las Vegas contested divorce attorneys can help. 

Contact a contested divorce attorney in Las Vegas online so we can go over the details together.