Contested Divorce
Facing a Contested Divorce in Murfreesboro? What You Need to Know
Filing for divorce is never easy, but when spouses cannot agree on critical terms, it becomes a contested divorce. Unlike an uncontested filing where both parties sign off on an agreement, a contested case means your future, your finances, and your relationship with your children are in the hands of a judge. If you find yourself in this situation, protecting your rights requires an aggressive, strategic contested divorce attorney in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
At The Daubenspeck Law Office, we know what is at stake. Allen R. Daubenspeck—a former Assistant District Attorney and U.S. Army veteran—provides the straightforward, dedicated representation needed to navigate the complex contested divorce process in Rutherford County.
What Makes a Divorce Contested in Tennessee?
A divorce is legally considered contested if you and your spouse disagree on one or more major issues. In Middle Tennessee, the most common disputes that land couples in a contested divorce trial include:
High-Asset Property Division: Disagreements over how to divide real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, and marital debt.
Child Custody and Visitation Disputes: Clashes over primary residential parent designations, decision-making authority, and permanent parenting plans.
Alimony and Spousal Support: Disputes regarding whether one spouse is entitled to financial support, the amount, or the duration.
Child Support Deviations: Disagreements regarding income disclosure, health insurance costs, or extraordinary expenses for the children.
The Contested Divorce Process in Murfreesboro
When you hire a Murfreesboro contested divorce lawyer, your case will generally follow a structured legal timeline through the Rutherford County Chancery or Circuit Courts:
Filing the Complaint: One spouse files a Complaint for Divorce stating the grounds (such as inappropriate marital conduct or irreconcilable differences) and serves the other spouse.
The Answer and Counter-Complaint: The responding spouse has 30 days to file a formal legal response.
The Discovery Phase: Both legal teams gather evidence. In a contested divorce, this involves financial audits, interrogatories, depositions, and requests for documents to uncover hidden assets or verify income.
Temporary Hearings (Pendente Lite): If you need immediate court orders for temporary child support, alimony, or temporary custody while the lawsuit is pending, your attorney will request a temporary hearing.
Mandatory Divorce Mediation: Tennessee law requires most couples to attempt mediation before going to trial. Allen R. Daubenspeck is a Rule 31 listed mediator who understands how to leverage this process to protect your interests.
Trial: If mediation fails, your case goes before a judge who will make final, legally binding rulings on your property, money, and children.
Why You Need a Local Murfreesboro Divorce Attorney
Trying to handle a contested case on your own can result in devastating financial errors and unfavorable custody arrangements that are incredibly difficult to modify later. You need a trial-tested family law attorney in Murfreesboro who understands the local court rules, judges, and legal procedures in Rutherford County.
The Daubenspeck Law Office works tirelessly to uncover facts during discovery, build a compelling case for custody, and advocate fiercely for your equitable share of marital property.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today
Don't face a complex, high-stress legal battle alone. If you are anticipating a contested divorce in Rutherford County or the surrounding area, get an experienced advocate in your corner.
Contact The Daubenspeck Law Office today to protect your assets, your children, and your peace of mind.
https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-36/chapter-4/section-36-4-101/
https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-36-domestic-relations/tn-code-sect-36-4-101/