When a marriage ends, everyone hopes for a straightforward process: sign the papers and start fresh.

Unfortunately, life rarely unfolds that neatly.

Disagreements over money or parenting time can turn what should be a transition into something far more stressful and drawn out. If you’re unsure about what’s next, you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way when facing a contested divorce in Pennsylvania.

On the bright side, understanding the steps involved can remove some of the uncertainty. Moreover, having a knowledgeable divorce lawyer in Pittsburgh by your side means you won’t be left to figure it all out on your own.

What Is a Contested Divorce in Pennsylvania?

A contested divorce in Pennsylvania occurs when spouses can’t find common ground on significant matters, such as property division, alimony, child custody, or support. 

When those conversations stall or break down, the court has to step in and make the final decisions based on evidence and state law. This process often involves extensive documentation and a longer timeline.

In contrast, an uncontested divorce (where both spouses agree on every term) tends to move faster and with far less emotional strain. While that route may be ideal, it’s not always realistic when tensions or disagreements linger.

Divorces often become contested due to: 

• Asset Division: Disputes over who gets what, especially when it comes to marital property or retirement accounts  
• Child Custody and Support: Conflicts about parenting schedules, decision-making, or support amounts  
• Spousal Support: Disagreements about the amount or duration of alimony  
• Uncooperative Behavior: Refusal to negotiate, sign paperwork, or disclose financial information.  

Legal Grounds for Divorce in Pennsylvania

The state recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorces, either of which can be contested:

• No-Fault Grounds: Here, neither spouse is blamed for what went wrong. Both partners agree that the marriage cannot be fixed. Most no-fault divorces require the couple to live apart for at least one year, but if both agree to the divorce, this waiting period can be shortened.
• Fault-Based Grounds: A fault-based divorce is different because one spouse must prove that the other’s behavior caused the marriage to fail. This might involve serious claims like adultery, cruelty, desertion, bigamy, or imprisonment for more than two years.

Your chosen grounds can shape the entire process. It influences what evidence needs to be gathered, whether a divorce master might get involved to sort through disputes, and how long everything will take. Proving fault usually requires significant evidence, which can extend the timeline.

Legal Implications and What To Expect

When negotiations fail, the court takes a more active role in deciding critical matters. 

Pennsylvania uses equitable distribution to divide property, which means the court aims for a fair outcome rather than an exact 50/50 split.

For custody disputes, courts consider the child’s best interests. Judges look at factors such as parental involvement in daily life and each parent’s ability to provide care.

To reach fair outcomes, both parties must fully disclose financial and personal records during discovery. This often includes tax returns, pay stubs, property appraisals, and records of debts or liabilities.

Failing to provide accurate or complete documentation can slow the process and even result in sanctions or unfavorable rulings.

The Contested Divorce Process: An Overview

A contested divorce in Pennsylvania follows a series of formal steps designed to resolve disputes fairly and in accordance with state law.

While each case is unique, the process generally unfolds as follows:

Filing the Divorce Complaint 

The process begins when one spouse files a divorce complaint with the Court of Common Pleas. This document outlines the legal grounds for divorce and outlines any initial claims.

Serving the Other Spouse 

After filing, the complaint must be officially delivered to the other spouse (the defendant). This “service of process” is typically carried out by a sheriff or certified mail.

If service isn’t done correctly, the case can stall or even require refiling.

Response Period 

The defendant is given a set time, often within 20-30 days, to respond. Their response may include counterclaims challenging the grounds for divorce or presenting alternative proposals for custody or financial arrangements.

Discovery 

This is the evidence-gathering stage, during which both parties exchange financial documents and other relevant information. Discovery can include interrogatories and requests to produce additional documents.

Mediation or Negotiation Attempts 

Courts often encourage spouses to work toward a settlement through mediation or negotiation before heading to trial. This step allows both parties, with their attorneys, to exchange offers and potentially reach a resolution that avoids prolonged litigation. 

Court Trial 

If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Through their attorneys, both spouses present evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments. Trials can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on how many issues remain unresolved.

Final Decree of Divorce 

After the judge rules on all disputed matters, a final decree of divorce is issued. This document officially ends the marriage and establishes legally binding terms.

Key Issues Decided in Contested Divorces

The final decree includes the resolution of critical issues that will govern each spouse’s roles and responsibilities, including: 

• Property and Debt Division: Marital assets and debts are fairly divided based on each spouse’s contributions, earning potential, and future needs.  
• Child Custody and Parenting Time: Custody decisions are always based on the child’s best interests. Judges weigh factors like their emotional well-being and each parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable environment. 
• Child Support Obligations: Courts calculate child support using Pennsylvania guidelines, which consider parental income and specific needs like medical or educational expenses. 
• Alimony and Spousal Support: The court reviews the couple’s financial circumstances and the duration of the marriage to decide if one spouse should receive temporary or ongoing support that allows them to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Timeline and Challenges of a Contested Divorce

A contested divorce in Pennsylvania rarely moves quickly. The process can easily stretch beyond nine months to over a year because each disagreement must be addressed, often with evidence and negotiations (and even multiple court hearings). 

Delays often arise from custody disputes or financial complexities like hidden assets and high-value property. Some cases also stall when one spouse refuses to cooperate or respond promptly, creating frustration and driving up costs.

Emotional strain is another factor, as frequent court appearances and negotiations can be exhausting and stressful. The emotional weight of this process is real, with every court appearance or negotiation session feeling like you’re reopening old wounds.

A skilled divorce lawyer in Pittsburgh can guide you through each step and help keep the process moving forward, even when obstacles appear.

How To Prepare for a Contested Divorce

Preparation can dramatically affect how smoothly your contested divorce unfolds. If you know there will be disagreements, some groundwork can save time and give you a stronger position as the process progresses.

1. Gather Documentation 

Start building a complete financial picture early by collecting documents such as:

• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Pay stubs
• Property deeds
• Appraisals 

Keep these documents organized and easily accessible. Full disclosure is required in divorce proceedings, so having everything ready will make discovery smoother.

2. Work With an Experienced Divorce Attorney Early On

Don’t wait until things get complicated. A seasoned divorce lawyer in Pittsburgh can help you understand your rights and develop a legal strategy tailored to your goals. Meeting with a lawyer early also gives you time to gather any extra documents and prepare for what might come up during negotiations or hearings.

3. Clarify Your Goals 

Ask yourself what matters:

• Is keeping the family home a priority?
• Would a flexible parenting plan mean more to you than certain financial concessions?
• Are there specific assets or arrangements you’re unwilling to compromise on?

Knowing your priorities lets your attorney work toward your goals and priorities.

4. Stay Organized and Follow Deadlines

Deadlines and court rules can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are high. Create a checklist or folder for essential paperwork and communication. Respond promptly when your attorney requests information. Timely action can keep the process moving and prevent costly setbacks.

Although being proactive may not eliminate the stress, it can give you confidence that you’re handling the situation effectively. 

We’re Here To Help You Start Your Next Chapter 

A contested divorce can feel like standing in the middle of a storm and struggling to see what lies ahead, especially when emotions run high and the future feels uncertain. Nevertheless, knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the steps ahead can make that weight feel lighter.

When you’re facing the challenges of a contested divorce, having proper legal support can make all the difference. At Very Law, we combine deep knowledge of Pennsylvania family law with a client-centered approach. You can count on us to take the time to understand your situation and protect what matters most. 

If you’re ready to build a stable foundation for the next chapter of your life, the experienced attorneys at Very Law are here to stand by your side. Schedule a confidential consultation to begin. Let’s build a path toward the resolution you need — and the future you deserve.