Breaking up is difficult. For many couples, navigating the path to divorce can be one of the most emotionally and legally challenging experiences of their lives. While uncontested divorces allow spouses to part ways amicably with minimal court intervention, contested divorces follow an entirely different path. Disputes often emerge when couples struggle to reach an agreement on key matters like child custody, property division, or alimony. These disputes often escalate into protracted legal battles, draining both parties emotionally, financially, and mentally, while significantly prolonging the resolution process. If you are considering divorce in Tennessee and are facing a contested divorce, don't go through it alone. In the following blog, we will explain why contested divorces are so complex and how experienced a contested divorce attorney can help protect your rights as you work to achieve a fair outcome.

What Is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on key matters, such as financial assets, parenting plans, or spousal support. This disagreement forces the court to intervene, where a judge presides over the disputes and makes the final decisions for the couple. Unlike an uncontested divorce, where both parties collaborate on the separation terms, contested divorces require legal intervention and extensive negotiation.

Common areas of dispute in contested divorces include:

Child Custody: Deciding where children will live and how parenting time will be divided can spark highly emotional disputes.
Division of Property: Splitting marital assets and debts is rarely a straightforward process, especially in high-net-worth divorces.
Alimony: Determining spousal support amounts can lead to disagreements, as one spouse may contest paying or receiving what they consider an inequitable amount.
Pension Plans or Retirement Accounts: Dividing long-term financial benefits often adds another layer of complexity.

Understanding the reasons behind these disputes can prepare you for the future, making it easier to approach the process with clarity and focus.

The Challenges of a Tennessee Contested Divorce

The divorce process in Tennessee is not one-size-fits-all. While the state allows both "fault" and "no-fault" divorces, the grounds for contested divorces may vary—from allegations of adultery to claims of abandonment or inappropriate marital conduct. Simply put, the more issues there are to resolve, the more likely the process will be drawn out and contentious.

Here are some factors that make a contested divorce more challenging:

Proving Grounds for Divorce: Unlike a no-fault divorce, a contested divorce often relies on grounds such as bigamy, infertility, cruelty, or infidelity. Proving these claims in court can require substantial evidence, which adds to the stress and complexity of the case.
Legal Timelines: A contested divorce in Tennessee can take over a year—or longer—to finalize. The timeline depends on factors such as the number of disputes, the complexity of the issues, and court schedules. If pension division is involved, the process may take an additional 60 to 180 days after the judge grants the divorce.
Discovery Process: Gathering evidence is crucial in contested divorces. Both parties may need to disclose financial information, provide documentation, and respond to subpoenas or depositions. This phase alone can become a battleground, with spouses unwilling to cooperate.
High Litigation Costs: Litigation is expensive. Contested divorces often involve higher attorney fees, expert witness costs, and court fees, leaving both parties financially burdened.

The Role of a Contested Divorce Attorney

When emotions run high and the legal stakes are even higher, having an experienced attorney on your side is invaluable.

An attorney with experience handling contested divorces can help you:

Develop a Clear Strategy: Contested divorces require a well-structured legal approach. Your lawyer will help identify your goals, calculate asset values, and present your case in a compelling way during negotiations or court proceedings.
Avoid Common Pitfalls: Navigating Tennessee's divorce laws can be overwhelming. For instance, did you know that residency requirements must be met before filing, or that a divorce could be denied if procedural steps are missed? A local attorney ensures compliance with state-specific procedures to avoid delays or denials.
Negotiate to Reduce Conflict: While litigation may seem inevitable, skilled attorneys often focus on resolving disputes through negotiations, pre-trial hearings, or alternative dispute resolution methods. This approach not only saves time but also minimizes stress.
Advocate Aggressively in Court: If negotiations fail, your attorney will vigorously advocate for your rights during the trial, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and persuading the judge to rule in your favor.
Protect Your Future: Divorce decisions have long-lasting consequences. Whether it's securing parenting time, protecting significant assets, or reducing legal liabilities, a skilled lawyer ensures you emerge from the process with your interests safeguarded.

Why Preparation Is Key in Contested Divorces

The consequences of entering a contested divorce unprepared can be severe. Without the right legal guidance, you risk:

Losing critical parenting rights or time with your children.
Receiving an unfair property division settlement.
Paying unsustainable amounts of alimony.

By working with experienced professionals, you can avoid these pitfalls and focus on building your post-divorce life with confidence. While there’s no denying that contested divorces are contentious, they don’t have to dictate every aspect of your future. With the right representation, you can steer the process in a way that minimizes conflict, protects your interests, and sets you on a path toward personal and financial recovery. If you’re considering divorce in Tennessee, don’t take the risk of going through it alone. The contested divorce lawyers at Conner & Roberts, Pllc, are here to stand by your side every step of the way—because your future matters.

Contact Conner & Roberts, Pllc Today

At Conner & Roberts, Pllc, we understand the toll that contested divorces take on individuals and families. With years of experience in divorce law, we offer the support and representation you need to confidently move forward. Our attorney can schedule a consultation with you to answer any questions you may have about your situation. Together, we’ll address key matters, develop a strong case strategy, and work toward a fair resolution that protects your future.

Call (423) 299-4489 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced divorce attorney. Don't wait—secure the legal representation you deserve.