The actual divorce process is controlled by the participants. Many people don’t realize that not all divorces must end in a contested courtroom proceeding. Generally, once a couple has embarked on a contested divorce process, the types of proceedings from state to state are similar, but not identical. It is important for the couple to consult with a lawyer in the state where they reside about the specific process. The length of a case may depend on the state and county the case is filed in. It can depend on how crowded the court docket is, which can delay the start of divorce litigation a year or more.

The divorce process may include the following stages:  Jurisdiction, Summons & Petition, Answer & Counter Petition, Temporary Hearings, Mediation, Co-Parenting Classes, Advance Case Review, Discovery, Experts, Settlement, Settlement Conference/PreTrial, Trial.