A divorce process is never easy from a bureaucratic point of view, but also an interpersonal one. Therefore, there is a probability that one of the parties involved in a separation will not agree to initiate the divorce. When this happens, there are steps to be taken so that the separation becomes fairer and so that no one remains in a marriage against their will.
É um divórcio em que as partes não chegam a um acordo sobre os termos, como partilha de bens, guarda dos filhos ou pensão alimentícia. Neste caso, a decisão é tomada por um juiz.
According to Law no. 61/2008 of 31 October, contentious divorce, nowadays known as divorce without mutual consent, is designated by a divorce where one of the partners in the couple doesn't want the separation, or there are disagreements on some points of the divorce.
The difference between a contentious divorce and an amicable divorce lies in how the parties involved resolve disputes. In a **contentious divorce**, disagreements arise between the spouses regarding key issues such as asset division, child custody, child support, or spousal support. When an agreement cannot be reached, the case often proceeds to court, where a judge will make the final decisions. This process can be lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining. In an **amicable divorce**, also known as an uncontested divorce, the spouses are able to reach an agreement on all relevant issues without the need for court intervention. They can work out the terms themselves, or with the help of mediators or their solicitors. This approach is generally quicker, less costly, and less stressful for everyone involved, especially any children.
Litigious divorce and Amicable divorce show visible differences between themselves. In a litigious divorce, this must happen through the courts, whereas in an amicable divorce, this can also happen at a notary's office.
A litigious divorce is processed through the court system, where spouses cannot agree on key issues and a judge must make decisions. The process generally involves the following stages: 1. **Filing the Petition/Complaint:** One spouse (the petitioner or plaintiff) files a legal document with the court outlining the grounds for divorce and requesting court intervention. This document is served on the other spouse (the respondent or defendant). 2. **Response:** The respondent has a set period to file a response, agreeing or disagreeing with the claims made in the petition. 3. **Discovery:** This is a crucial phase where both parties gather information and evidence. This can include: * **Interrogatories:** Written questions that must be answered under oath. * **Requests for Production of Documents:** Demands for financial records, property deeds, bank statements, etc. * **Depositions:** Out-of-court testimony given under oath by parties and witnesses. * **Subpoenas:** Ordering third parties to produce documents or appear for depositions. 4. **Negotiation and Mediation (Often Attempted):** Even in a litigious divorce, there may be attempts at out-of-court settlement through negotiation between the lawyers or through mediation with a neutral third party. If an agreement is reached, it is presented to the court for approval. 5. **Pre-Trial Motions:** Either party may file motions with the court asking for specific orders on issues like temporary custody, spousal support, or the division of assets while the divorce is pending. 6. **Pre-Trial Conference:** A judge may hold a conference with the parties and their lawyers to assess the case, encourage settlement, and set a trial date. 7. **Trial:** If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Both sides present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments before a judge (or sometimes a jury, depending on the jurisdiction and issues). The judge will hear all the evidence and make legally binding decisions on all contested matters. 8. **Judgment/Decree:** After the trial, the judge issues a final judgment or decree of divorce. This document legally terminates the marriage and outlines the court's decisions regarding: * Child custody and visitation * Child support * Spousal support (alimony) * Division of marital property and debts 9. **Post-Judgment Matters:** In some cases, parties may need to return to court to enforce the divorce decree or modify certain terms (like custody or support) if circumstances change significantly. A litigious divorce is typically more time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining than an uncontested divorce because it involves extensive legal procedures, court appearances, and potentially a trial.
The process of a litigious divorce it begins with the divorce proceedings in court by the member of the couple who wishes to separate. For this to be validated, the person who wants to end the marriage must present justifications that sustain this will.
In a litigious divorce, it is necessary when one party refuses to compromise or if there are significant disagreements on key issues.
The need to resort to a divorce without mutual consent arises when one of the parties does not wish to initiate the divorce proceedings or does not agree with some of the terms set out in the divorce, and for this reason it is necessary to resort to legal channels.
Os passos num processo de divórcio litigioso são: 1. **Petição Inicial/Apresentação do Pedido:** Um dos cônjuges (o requerente) entra com uma ação de divórcio num tribunal, apresentando os motivos para o divórcio e as suas pretensões (por exemplo, divisão de bens, custódia dos filhos, pensão alimentícia). 2. **Citação do Cônjuge:** O outro cônjuge (o requerido) é oficialmente notificado da ação de divórcio e tem um prazo para responder. 3. **Resposta do Cônjuge:** O requerido apresenta a sua defesa, concordando ou contestando os pontos levantados na petição inicial, e apresentando as suas próprias pretensões. 4. **Fase de Concentração da Prova e Discussão:** Ambas as partes apresentam as provas que sustentam os seus argumentos (documentos, testemunhas, perícias). Podem ocorrer audiências para apresentar estas provas e para a discussão dos factos. 5. **Sentença:** Após a análise das provas e argumentos, o juiz profere uma sentença, decidindo sobre todos os pontos em disputa (divórcio, divisão de bens, custódia, etc.). 6. **Recursos (Opcional):** Se uma das partes não concordar com a decisão do juiz, pode apresentar um recurso para um tribunal superior. 7. **Trânsito em Julgado:** Uma vez que não haja mais recursos ou terminados os prazos para os mesmos, a decisão torna-se definitiva e pode ser executada. É importante notar que um divórcio litigioso é caracterizado pelo desacordo entre os cônjuges, o que geralmente torna o processo mais demorado e emocionalmente desgastante.
There are steps to be taken for the contentious divorce process to move forward through legal channels:
- To file for divorce in court. This must be done by the lawyer of the couple member who wishes to separate.;
- The lawyer presents witnesses and other evidence in court that show the necessity of the couple's divorce.;
- If the couple reaches an agreement, the process is suspended, or else:
- The couple remains at odds, and the other person is notified by the court of the resulting proceedings, having to provide statements.;
- Both reach an agreement and the process turns into an amicable divorce, with the terms of the separation being negotiated.
What are the rights and responsibilities of spouses in a contentious divorce
When it comes to contentious divorce, and as is the case in any type of divorce proceeding, the parties involved in this situation have rights and duties.
Among the rights are:
- A family home is attributed to the member who needs housing the most;
- right to a alimony, should the need arise;
- The person paying the pension does not have to maintain the lifestyle they had during the marriage;
- Right to defence.
Regarding duties, there are a few to be aware of, such as:
- The couple cannot receive more in the division than if it were a marriage under the community of acquired property regime;
- It is not possible to request. indemnity because of the end of the marriage.
Para escolher um advogado para um divórcio litigioso, considere os seguintes pontos: * **Experiência em divórcios litigiosos:** Procure um advogado que tenha experiência comprovada em lidar com casos de divórcio contencioso, entendendo as complexidades e as estratégias necessárias. * **Especialização em direito de família:** Certifique-se de que o advogado se especializa em direito de família, pois este é um campo de atuação muito específico. * **Reputação e avaliações:** Pesquise a reputação do advogado e procure avaliações de clientes anteriores. Sites de avaliação e referências podem ser úteis. * **Estilo de comunicação e afinidade:** É crucial que você se sinta à vontade e confiante com o seu advogado. Agende consultas iniciais para avaliar a comunicação, a clareza nas explicações e se há uma boa relação profissional. * **Honorários advocatícios:** Discuta abertamente os honorários e as formas de pagamento. Entenda como o advogado cobra (por hora, valor fixo, etc.) e se o custo se encaixa no seu orçamento. * **Disponibilidade:** Verifique se o advogado tem disponibilidade para dedicar o tempo necessário ao seu caso, especialmente em situações litigiosas que podem exigir atenção constante. * **Estratégia proposta:** Converse sobre a estratégia que o advogado pretende adotar. Ele deve ser capaz de articular um plano de ação claro e realista para o seu divórcio. * **Recursos e rede de contatos:** Um bom advogado pode ter uma rede de contatos com outros profissionais, como peritos financeiros ou psicólogos, que podem ser necessários em um divórcio litigioso.
The most important thing when choosing a lawyer for a contentious divorce is to choose a lawyer who specialises in divorce law.
At Divorce Lawyers We are specialists in the area of law reserved for divorce, allowing you to find out more about issues relating to contentious divorce or other types of divorce, and to find the defence and help you need.
O tempo que demora um divórcio litigioso em Portugal pode variar consideravelmente, dependendo de vários fatores, incluindo a complexidade do caso, a carga de trabalho do tribunal, a cooperação das partes e a necessidade de perícias ou outras provas. No entanto, em geral, um divórcio litigioso em Portugal pode demorar, em média, entre **1 a 3 anos**. Em alguns casos, pode ser mais rápido, mas em outros, pode estender-se por mais tempo. Os fatores que mais influenciam a duração são: * **Complexidade da partilha de bens:** Se houver muitos bens em comum, dívidas ou propriedades a dividir, o processo de partilha pode ser longo e complicado, exigindo avaliações e negociações. * **Questões relacionadas com os filhos:** Acordos sobre guarda, pensão de alimentos, regime de visitas e outros assuntos relacionados com os filhos menores podem levar tempo a serem definidos, especialmente se houver desacordo. * **Número de testemunhas e perícias:** A necessidade de ouvir várias testemunhas ou de realizar perícias (médicas, psicológicas, financeiras, etc.) pode atrasar o processo. * **Eficiência do tribunal:** A morosidade dos tribunais portugueses, devido à falta de recursos humanos e materiais, é um fator conhecido que pode prolongar os prazos. * **Comportamento das partes e advogados:** A resistência de uma das partes em chegar a um acordo, a má-fé ou a falta de colaboração entre os advogados também podem aumentar o tempo do processo. É importante notar que a falta de acordo entre os cônjuges é o que define um divórcio litigioso e é isso que o torna mais demorado do que um divórcio por mútuo consentimento, que pode ser resolvido em poucos meses.
The time it takes for a contested divorce case to be resolved is not fixed, as it can take anywhere from three months to two years.
What are the costs involved in a contentious divorce?
There is no specific amount for a contentious divorce. The costs of a contentious divorce in Portugal can vary depending on the complexity of the proceedings, their duration, and the need to hire professionals. They include court costs, which depend on the share price and the Divorce lawyer fees.
If one of the parties cannot afford to hire a lawyer, they can apply to the social security for legal aid. free solicitor, on the services available in citizen shops or online.
In a litigious divorce, child custody is determined by the court based on the best interests of the child. This typically involves considering factors such as the child's age, physical and emotional needs, the ability of each parent to provide care, the child's wishes (depending on their age and maturity), and the recommendation of any professionals involved, like social workers or psychologists. The court may also take into account the established routine and stability of the child's life.
There is always an attempt to reach an agreement between spouses, but if this does not happen, the court decides who gets the Custody of minor children and respective regularization of parental responsibilities.
The court always considers the child's best interests and which of the partners is better placed to have care of the children.
If one spouse does not want to sign the divorce papers, the other spouse will likely have to proceed with a contested divorce. This means that the court will have to make decisions on behalf of both parties regarding the division of assets, child custody, alimony, and other divorce-related matters. This process can be lengthy and expensive, and it may result in a less satisfactory outcome for both parties compared to an amicable divorce.
When one of the parties refuses to sign the divorce papers, the other party is not obligated to remain married against their will. In this situation, the divorce becomes contentious and it is necessary to go to court.
In the event of a contentious divorce, the division of assets is determined by the court. This typically involves a judge evaluating the financial situation of both parties, considering factors such as income, assets, debts, and the duration of the marriage. The court's aim is to achieve a fair and equitable distribution of property, which may include real estate, savings, investments, and any other jointly-owned assets. If no agreement can be reached, the court will make a final decision.
Failing an agreement on Division of assets between spouses, this must be done during the inventory, meaning they are scrutinised and divided between the couple.
For example, if there is a shared house, it can be rented out to one of the people who most needs a home. It is also important to note that neither spouse can earn more than they would in a marriage with a community of property.
Conclusion
A contentious divorce process occurs when one of the parties does not want to accept the divorce, or does not agree on specific points of the divorce. To do this, the first step is to hire a specialised lawyer in the field and go to court.
This process can take months, or even a few years, with there always being an attempt to get the parties involved to reach an agreement. If that does not happen, the court makes the decisions. This applies from the division of assets to child custody.
