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Contested Divorce-test

Ottawa Expert Contested Divorce Lawyer

Ottawa Contested Divorce Lawyer

Family figure and gavel on table.

H2: Going Through a Contested Divorce in Ontario? 

Are you facing a contested divorce in Ontario? At RPB Family Law, our Ontario divorce lawyers understand the legal complexities, emotional strain, and financial implications that come with high-conflict divorce cases. Whether your divorce case involves property division, child custody arrangements, or spousal support, we’re here to offer reliable legal assistance every step of the way.

H3: Contact a Contested Divorce Lawyer for Immediate Help

With experience handling difficult contested divorces, we provide strategic, compassionate legal counsel designed to achieve a fair and timely divorce settlement, without unnecessary litigation where possible.

Contact us at our Ottawa law office today to set up a completely confidential, no obligation consultation with a top-tier Ontario divorce lawyer.


What is a Contested Divorce?


A contested divorce is a legal separation where spouses disagree on key issues like property division, child custody, or spousal support (alimony). The case typically proceeds to court, requiring each party to present evidence and arguments before a judge makes final decisions. In other words, a contested divorce is a litigated divorce. 

In Ontario, divorces fall under the Divorce Act and are classified as either:

  • Uncontested Divorce: Both parties agree on all major terms of the separation agreement and complete the divorce application jointly.
  • Contested Divorce: Disputes over matters like financial matters, custody arrangements, and grounds for divorce lead to formal legal proceedings.

The contested divorce process involves navigating legal requirements, preparing documents, and presenting evidence in court of justice if necessary.

H3: Common Causes for Contested Proceedings:

This type of divorce often involves a trial because of disagreements between parties, where each spouse presents evidence and arguments for their preferred outcomes. The most common issues at conflict in a contested divorce in Ottawa include: 

  1. Property Division: Disagreements over division of assets, real estate, business interests, and financial accounts.
  2. Spousal Support: Conflicts over entitlement, amount, and duration of support payments.
  3. Child Custody (Decision Making Authority): Disputes regarding joint custody versus sole decision-making rights for children.
  4. Child Support: Challenges in calculating and allocating financial responsibilities for child-related expenses.

H3: How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Ontario?

The length of a contested divorce in Ontario depends on the complexity of the case, the level of cooperation between spouses, and the divorce issues involved. On average, a contested divorce can take anywhere from several months to over a year. Delays often result from disputes over property division, child custody arrangements, or financial matters. 

Exploring options like divorce mediation or collaborative divorce may help speed up the legal process and reduce the emotional strain.

H4: Need a Divorce Lawyer Experienced in Contested Divorces?

A Contested Divorce May Still Become an Uncontested Divorce


Contested divorces are generally more time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining compared to uncontested divorces. For that reason, couples should generally try to reach a settlement. It should be noted that many cases that start out as contested divorces still end up as uncontested divorces. A contested divorce—which is fundamentally characterized by disagreements over one or more key issues—can still evolve into an uncontested divorce if the parties reach a consensus through informal negotiation or structured mediation. 


How Our Ottawa Contested Divorce Lawyers Can Help

Divorce is hard—especially if you and your spouse are currently not able to work out a settlement. At RPB Family Law, we are a trial-tested law firm with extensive experience handling contested divorce cases. Our client reviews tell the story. We provide personalized, solutions-driven legal advocacy. When you reach out to our Ottawa law office, you will have an opportunity to consult with an Ontario contested divorce lawyer who can: 

  • Listen to what you have to say and answer questions about contested divorce;
  • Help you gather, organize, and prepare all supporting documents and records; 
  • Handle the contested divorce paperwork; 
  • Represent you in any pre-trial settlement negotiations; and
  • Develop a comprehensive trial strategy for your contested divorce case.  

Contact Our Ottawa Contested Divorce Lawyer for a Confidential Consultation


At RPB Family Law, our Ottawa contested divorce lawyers have extensive experience handling litigation. If you are locked in a contested divorce case, we are here to help you determine the best path forward. Contact us today for your strictly confidential initial consultation. With an office in Ottawa, we represent clients in contested divorce cases throughout Ontario.