Madison Contested Divorce Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys in Dane County for Divorce-Related Litigation

Dealing with the various issues that must be addressed during a divorce is almost never easy, but a contested divorce can be particularly difficult. When the parties involved cannot come to an agreement on some or all of the outstanding issues in their case, they may need to turn to litigation for a resolution. In these situations, it is crucial to work with an experienced attorney who understands the intricacies of family law and the best strategies for success in divorce trials.

At John T. Fields & Associates, LLC, our experienced family law attorney can provide you with invaluable guidance throughout the divorce process and ensure that your rights are protected at all times. With our knowledge of the divorce laws in Wisconsin and our experience representing clients in multiple types of cases, we can advise you on the best steps you can take to resolve your divorce successfully. We believe in aggressively advocating for our clients both inside and outside of court, and we will work hard to make sure you can reach a favorable outcome in your case.

What Is a Contested Divorce?

Most divorces are uncontested. This does not mean that they are free of conflict, but it does mean that spouses are able to resolve their differences and reach agreements without the need for extensive court involvement. A couple may negotiate the terms of their divorce settlement with the assistance of their respective attorneys, or they may use alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation to reach agreements on the outstanding issues in their case. Once a settlement has been created, it can be filed in court, and after the settlement is approved by a judge, their divorce will be finalized.

A contested divorce, on the other hand, will involve issues that a couple cannot resolve on their own. If settlement negotiations reach an impasse, if one or both spouses are unwilling to make concessions or compromise on certain issues, or if the level of animosity between spouses has made productive discussions impossible, or if a case involves allegations of domestic abuse, litigation may be necessary. In these cases, a couple will prepare for a divorce trial in which they will ask a family court judge to make the final decisions on the outstanding issues in their case.

What Happens During a Divorce Trial?

Preparing for a divorce trial will usually involve an extensive review of financial documents and other facts involved in a case. Because litigation can be costly and time-consuming, spouses will often be encouraged by a judge to settle their outstanding issues prior to proceeding to trial. However, if this will not be possible, the trial will be held.

During a divorce trial, each party will present arguments to support their respective positions on the outstanding issues in their case. The parties may also call witnesses and introduce different forms of evidence supporting their claims. After both sides have had an opportunity to provide testimony, make legal arguments, and explain why they believe their position is correct, the judge will render a verdict based on the applicable laws and facts of the case.

After all relevant factors are taken into account and considered carefully by the judge, a ruling will be made on matters such as child custody arrangements, division of assets/debts, spousal support payments (if applicable), child support obligations (if applicable), or any other issues that need to be resolved before the marriage can be dissolved. The issuance of a divorce judgment will legally terminate the marriage, and the terms of the judgment will be legally binding for both parties.

Contact Our Dane County Contested Divorce Attorney

At John T. Fields & Associates, LLC, we understand the complexities involved in contested divorce cases, and we have experience representing clients in litigation. When you work with us, you can rest assured that you will have a strong legal advocate who will fight to protect your rights. We will help you build a winning strategy that will allow you to achieve your goals in your divorce. To get legal help during your divorce, set up an appointment by contacting our office at 608-729-3590. We represent clients through the Madison area and other parts of Southern Wisconsin, including Dane County, Iowa County, and Green County.