Contested Divorce

Contested Divorce Lawyers in Chattanooga

Free Consultations To Plan for a Prosperous Future

Man with his head in his hands sitting on one side of the bed, while a woman sits on the other side facing the opposite direction.

Some marriages aren’t meant to be. When you and a spouse undergo conflict that breaks trust and makes it impossible to move forward, it is important that you have help from experienced Chattanooga contested divorce lawyers who can help you build a strong case for your interests and begin the work of the dissolution of your marriage. At Conner & Roberts, PLLC, we offer nearly 40 combined years of experience to help you protect your interests throughout the Tennessee contested divorce proceedings.

Call our contested divorce attorney in Chattanooga at (423) 299-4489now to get started. You can also contact Conner & Roberts, PLLC online for a free consultation about your case.

What Is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce is a divorce in which the parties cannot agree on all of the issues, such as child custody, division of assets, alimony, or other matters. In such cases, the spouses must go to court and litigate their differences before a judge, who will then make a ruling on the contested issues. The court decides the issues for the parties, usually after a trial.

How to Contest a Divorce in Tennessee?

Making the decision to divorce can be one of the most difficult choices you will make in your life, but it does not have to be the most legally challenging.

If you would like to contest a divorce, you must file a response to the divorce petition in the court where the petition was filed. You must also attend all court hearings and provide evidence to support your position. A contested divorce requires proof of grounds for divorce in Tennessee.

You may enter into a contested divorce based on the grounds of:

Impotency
Bigamy
Adultery
Desertion
Conviction of a felony
Imprisonment
Conviction of an infamous crime
Physical cruelty
Addiction to drugs or alcohol
Inappropriate marital conduct
Abandonment

You may wish to consult an attorney to help you understand your rights and the legal process. The Chattanooga contested divorce attorneys at Conner & Roberts, PLLC strives to ensure that your best interests are protected.

During your one-on-one consultation at our law firm, we will work with you to address the different matters involved in your divorce.

What Can I Expect from a Contested Divorce in Tennessee?

A contested divorce is more complex and involves several more steps than an uncontested one. These steps include:

Preparing, filing, and serving the divorce petition;
Responding to the petition;
Hiring a contested divorce attorney;
Being involved in the discovery process;
Attending pre-trial hearings; and
Negotiating settlement proposals through their attorneys.

And, if the settlement process doesn’t work:

Preparing for trial; and
Completing the trial.

If either or both spouses disagree with the judge’s decision, they may also want to file an appeal.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Tennessee?

Depending on the amount and the complexity of the issues involved, a contested divorce can last years, with the average case lasting a year or longer. If the spouses agree to divide a pension, that process may take an additional 60 to 180 days after the court grants the divorce.

Can a Divorce Be Denied in Tennessee?

Many people in Tennessee contemplate the possibility of divorce, but are often surprised to learn that it may not always be as easy as filing a few papers. A Tennessee court can deny a divorce for various reasons. The most common grounds for denial is when a spouse does not meet the residency requirements, meaning that they do not have enough time living in the state before filing their petition.

Additionally, if one spouse fails to answer the summons or fails to participate in any other aspect of the legal process, then this could also lead to a denial. It's important to understand these laws and how they could potentially impact an individual's chances of successfully completing their divorce. In some cases, additional action may be needed before a divorce is approved.

Work with Local Chattanooga Contested Divorce Attorneys

Our Chattanooga contested divorce lawyers recognize that all divorces cannot be resolved through amicable negotiation. When litigation is the best option, we are here to aggressively fight for your rights so that you may achieve a fair outcome in your case. The consequences of a lack of preparation are severe. Make sure you have the right representation on your side to protect your future.

Meet Our Attorneys

Serving Clients for Nearly Four Decades

Free Case Evaluation
To ensure that we are the right fit for your case our firm offers a free initial case evaluation.
Personalized Approach
No two cases are the same; we ensure that each resolution is structured specifically to fit your goals.
Highly Experienced Attorneys
Our attorneys have nearly 4 decades of combined experience, helping clients find peace of mind.
Work Directly with an Attorney
When you work with our firm you will have direct access to your attorney every step of the way.

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(423) 299-4489

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