Is fighting over every detail in a divorce really worth the emotional and financial toll? In Texas, nearly half of all divorces involve contested issues—whether it’s property division, custody arrangements, or spousal disagreements. And with court backlogs still a reality in 2025, these high-conflict separations can drag on for months or even years.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how overwhelming contested divorce cases can be. As one of the leading firms focusing on high-conflict family law matters, we provide strong legal representation to help you protect your rights without losing control of your future.
This post outlines what couples should consider when facing a contested divorce, including how it compares to uncontested divorce cases, when to hire a contested divorce attorney, and why the cost of conflict can quickly spiral.
What Makes a Divorce “Contested”?
A divorce becomes contested when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues:
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support or maintenance
- Child custody, visitation, or parenting plans
- Claims involving common-law marriage
These disputes usually require court intervention, extensive legal filings, and multiple hearings—adding time and cost to the process.
The Financial Cost vs. Emotional Toll
Contested divorces tend to be significantly more expensive than uncontested ones. Beyond attorney fees, there may be:
- Expert witnesses (forensic accountants, custody evaluators)
- Mediation and court-ordered counseling
- Lost income due to time off work for court appearances
- Emotionally, a drawn-out case can leave families, especially children, feeling stuck in a cycle of stress.
When It Makes Sense to Contest
Not every disagreement means going to war. But hiring contested divorce lawyers can be the right move when:
- There are hidden assets or complex property concerns
- One spouse refuses to negotiate in good faith
- There’s a history of abuse, control, or manipulation
- A parenting plan needs legal reinforcement
Is It Ever Better to Settle?
In many cases, settlement—while not easy—saves time, money, and emotional wear. An experienced contested divorce attorney can help you evaluate when it’s smarter to settle and when it’s necessary to fight for your rights.
Thinking About Taking Your Divorce to Court?
Before you decide to contest every issue, ask yourself this: Will the outcome be worth the cost, financially and personally? For some, the answer is yes. For others, working toward compromise is the better path forward.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we help clients in Houston approach contested and uncontested divorces with a clear strategy. Whether you’re dealing with a high-conflict split or need legal help with a common-law divorce, our team is here to stand by you. As one of the most trusted firms for affordable divorce attorneys in Houston, we’re focused on protecting your future and helping you make informed choices.
Call now at 832-321-7005 to speak with a contested divorce attorney and take the next step toward resolution on your terms.