Is it better to settle or to stand your ground in a divorce? The answer depends on what’s at stake—and how much you’re willing to fight for it. Over 600,000 divorces take place each year in the U.S. While many of them are resolved without conflict, a significant portion end up in court, dragging out over months or even years. The stress, cost, and time involved can be overwhelming—especially when children, property, or business interests are on the line.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how emotionally and financially taxing divorce can be. Whether you’re going through a common-law divorce or ending a long marriage with complex assets, our goal is to help you make informed choices. We offer trusted guidance through both contested and uncontested divorce cases, giving you clarity, control, and compassionate legal support.
In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between contested and uncontested divorces, the pros and cons of each, and which might be better for your personal situation.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce happens when both parties agree on all major terms—child custody, asset division, debt responsibility, and support. No court battle. No prolonged arguments.
Benefits:
- Faster resolution: These cases usually finalize within a few months.
- Lower cost: Fewer attorney hours, less paperwork, and minimal court involvement.
- Privacy and peace: Less conflict often leads to better emotional outcomes, especially for children.
Uncontested divorce cases are often best when both partners want a clean break and share a willingness to cooperate.
What Is a Contested Divorce?
In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on one or more key issues. These disagreements may involve child custody, visitation schedules, spousal support, or division of significant assets like real estate or retirement accounts.
Why a contested approach may be necessary:
- One spouse is uncooperative or hiding financial information
- There’s a history of abuse or manipulation
- Complex property or shared business interests exist
- Disagreement over parenting responsibilities
A contested divorce attorney is often essential in these situations to ensure your rights are protected and nothing is overlooked.
Key Differences: Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
Here’s a quick comparison to help you assess which option may suit you best:
Aspect | Uncontested Divorce | Contested Divorce |
Timeline | A few weeks to 3 months | Several months to years |
Cost | Lower | Higher (court fees, expert witnesses) |
Privacy | High | Limited (court records are public) |
Control | Shared by both parties | Often decided by a judge |
Best For | Amicable separations | Complex or high-conflict cases |
So, Which Is Right for You?
Do you and your spouse already agree on how to move forward, or is every conversation a potential legal standoff? If you’re able to work together, pursuing an uncontested divorce might save time, money, and emotional wear. But if your case involves disagreements, hidden finances, or contested custody, working with contested divorce lawyers may be unavoidable—and ultimately in your best interest.
Ready to Move Forward with Confidence?
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we help clients make smart, informed decisions during the divorce process. Whether you’re dealing with a contested divorce, need advice on a common-law separation, or want to file for an uncontested case, our team is here to provide legal strength and affordable support every step of the way.
If you’re searching for experienced and affordable divorce attorneys in Houston who understand your needs, reach out to us today. We’ll help you choose the right path forward—and fight for what matters most.