When a matter is uncontested, both parties have chosen to work out their issues amicably without unnecessary fighting and without incurring unnecessary attorney fees.

This is achieved by voluntary settlement negotiations (in person or by a proposed settlement agreement being sent back and forth until finalized). Sometimes a mediator is used to help resolve the matter.

In most contested cases, one or both of the parties want to fight for a variety of reasons. Usually the reasons are based upon some type of revenge, anger or other emotion where the party just has to have their day in court.

A contested case can easily cost three to five times as much as an uncontested case (even more when things get really out of control). So get ready to pay!

In my own practice, there are occasions where each party legitimately believes they are right based on the law (not based on emotion) and a court has to decide the issue. This is the exception, however, as most cases are resolved with the parties taking control of their own outcome.

Copyright © 2009 Steven A. Leitman
Original posting on 904Divorce.com

Going through a divorce is traumatic. It saddens me to see people hire attorneys who gladly will waste their money and time fighting over trivial things that don’t matter. The cost both financially and emotionally can be tremendous.

We are lucky that in Jacksonville most of the attorneys who practice family law are committed to representing the best interest of their clients and not their own wallets/pocketbooks. Unfortunately there are still a handful of attorneys who don’t share this philosophy.

It’s not my place or style to give out names. I will only say that it is important to hire an attorney who has been recommended by someone who has actually worked with the attorney. When your consulting with an attorney ask them about their qualifications as well as their philosophy.

Divorce can be tough, make it easier by choosing the right attorney.