Yes, your spouse cannot prevent you from obtaining a divorce. Unfortunately, the divorce process may be longer and may be more expensive if your spouse is uncooperative. 

Every case is different and has unique factors that must be considered. The costs are based on a per hour charge, which is specific to each attorney. During our initial consultation, we will provide a reasonable estimate of the cost and fees associated with your case, and will request an initial retainer. Please note that no attorney can guarantee what the total legal fees and costs will be in a case.

A “retainer” is an initial payment made by the client to the attorney at the time the client hires the attorney. The retainer is held in an account separate from the attorney’s own bank account. The attorney will bill the client for the work done on the client’s case at an hourly or flate rate. When a bill is sent to the client, the money is then withdrawn from the retainer to pay for the legal fees and costs incurred.

The size of retainers required by our firm varies, as it depends on the level of complexity of each case. After our initial consultation, we will have a better understanding of your case and the size of the retainer needed to retain our services. 

A “ground” for divorce is a “reason” for divorce, which is sometimes referred to as a fault divorce. Although a divorce may be granted on different grounds, fault divorces are rare. The most usual fault grounds are cruel and abusive treatment and adultery.

Those words means more about the divorce process, and less about how the parties are interacting. A divorce case becomes contested as soon as the complaint for divorce is filed in court. This doesnt mean that the process will be contentious, difficult, or ever go to trial. The contested divorce will likely end in the same fashion as the uncontested divorce: with the parties filing a Separation Agreement. This is the contract which is addresses and settles all the issues in teh Divorce. 

Even if both parties have an uncontested divorce and reach agreement on all issues, it is still recommended that each party hire an attorney to review any and all documents or draft the separation agreement to ensure that your rights and interests are fully protected and the agreement is fair and reasonable. It is also important to keep in mind that ultimately your agreement will be entered in Court and the Judge must then determine whether the agreement is valid and enforceable.