Contested Divorce

Contested divorces are those in which the respondent disputes any issue in the case. The importance of finding the right attorney-client relationship for a contested divorce is essential. Your impression of the legalities involved and what is accepted with the divorce is mainly influenced by the relationship you have with your attorney.

At our first meeting we will discuss your situation and I will ask relevant questions that will determine how I think the situation will be handled. I do not want to be retained as your attorney at the first meeting since it is often an emotional and confusing time. I try to be as direct as possible which might mean advising the client to seek therapy on their own or to move out of the marital home prior to filing for divorce or even to try and work it out with the spouse. I often recommend that the person consult with another attorney even if they may want me to represent them, since it is always good to have a second opinion, especially on such a major issue as a divorce. Here you can see a brief outline of divorce issues although each case is unique.

I have been practicing law for many years and hope to continue practicing for years to come. I don’t need business that is contrary to my clients real needs, and if in my heart I don’t think you should retain me for a divorce then I will say so. Though a divorce can be a liberating step to a new future it is always a time for deep reflection. Do not hesitate to contact my office and set up a meeting with me.

As to the nature of my experience I have handled divorces where one of the parties lives in another country, including Arab Emeritus, France, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Italy, England, Ghana, Brazil, Argentina, Russia and many others. The particulars of each situation differed, and some had spouses working for American companies abroad, some were married in the other country and needed to formally dissolve that relationship as far as American Law was concerned. Some of the divorces were not seriously contested and others were contested in so much as the spouse wrote letters to the court. In most of these divorces I represented the wife.

I have represented clients for which annulments are also an option for various reasons. People may be eligible to get an annulment, which is a legal action that declares that the marriage was never in effect, and the marriage was void from the beginning. As an attorney I handle annulments through the court system – not a religious proceeding. For example, an annulment through the Catholic Church is a proceeding outside the court system.

The following are some common questions about divorce and some straightforward answers. I provide this section to familiarize you with the issues; they are no substitute for a personal meeting with an attorney.

To learn more about contested divorces or to set up a consultation, contact The Law Office of Frank Marciano online or call us at 201.656.1000.