Let’s not sugarcoat it—some divorces are hard. Not just emotionally, but legally. If you’re reading this, chances are things between you and your spouse aren’t exactly amicable. Maybe there’s fighting over the house, money, or the kids. Maybe one side wants out and the other doesn’t. Or maybe there’s just so much tension that even the idea of agreeing on anything seems impossible. That’s when you need a contested divorce attorney—someone who knows how to protect your rights and fight for what matters without making everything worse.
A contested divorce happens when you and your spouse can’t agree on one or more of the key issues. That might be child custody, child or spousal support, who gets the house, how to divide retirement accounts, or even how much someone earns. It could be as big as a business or as specific as who gets the dog. And even though it’s frustrating, it’s more common than you think. At Mary E. Papcke, Attorney at Law, I help clients throughout Parma, Middleburg Heights, Strongsville, and North Royalton, walk through these tough situations every day. A contested divorce doesn’t mean it has to be a knock-down, drag-out court battle—but it does mean we need to be strategic, informed, and ready to push for your best outcome.
Sometimes I hear from clients who are shocked they’re in a contested divorce. “I thought we were going to work this out,” they say. And then, out of nowhere, the other side gets a lawyer, files demands, or moves out with the kids. It’s a rough wake-up call. And sometimes, you’re the one who knows things aren’t working but your spouse refuses to cooperate or won’t agree to anything unless it’s entirely on their terms. Either way, you don’t have to “win” everything to come out okay. You just need someone who will stand by you and make sure you don’t get walked over during one of the most difficult transitions of your life.
In Ohio, the contested divorce process typically starts when one party files for divorce and serves the other with paperwork. Then comes discovery, where both sides exchange information—income, assets, debts, and other relevant facts. This stage is crucial because it gives us the full picture of what’s at stake. I work closely with my clients to make sure no detail is overlooked. From there, we may attempt negotiation or mediation to resolve some of the issues. If that doesn’t work, we prepare for court. In many cases, the divorce is resolved in stages—sometimes custody gets settled early, but support or property division lingers. Every case is different, and part of what I do is help you stay organized and sane while moving each piece forward.
When kids are involved, everything gets more emotional—and more urgent. One parent might want full physical custody, or you may disagree about where the children should live or go to school. I’ve seen situations where one parent tries to restrict the other’s access or paint them as “unfit” to gain leverage. These are the cases where having a calm, clear legal voice in your corner matters. I’ve helped clients in Parma, Middleburg Heights, Strongsville, and North Royalton, navigate custody issues in the middle of contested divorces, and my focus is always the same: protect the child’s best interests while also protecting your rights as a parent. Whether you’re worried about being kept out of your child’s life or you believe your child’s safety is at risk, we’ll put together a plan that puts facts—not fear—at the center of the case.
In contested divorces, money is often the sticking point. Maybe your spouse earns more than they’re letting on. Maybe they’re trying to hide assets or avoid paying support. Or maybe you both built a life together and now you can’t agree on how to divide it fairly. Ohio uses a system called equitable distribution, which means assets aren’t necessarily split 50/50—they’re divided based on what’s fair. That includes considering things like each spouse’s income, contributions during the marriage, and future financial needs. I work to make sure everything is accounted for—bank accounts, pensions, businesses, real estate, even debts—and that you aren’t left with less than you deserve.
No one wants to go to court. It’s stressful, time-consuming, and let’s be honest, expensive. But sometimes, it’s the only way to resolve a contested divorce. When your spouse refuses to budge or keeps playing games, we prepare your case with precision and confidence. I work closely with my clients so they understand what to expect, how to present themselves in court, and what we’re aiming to achieve. That said, I also know when to pull back and try to resolve things without dragging it out longer than necessary. The goal is to get you through this with your dignity, your sanity, and your future intact.
I’ve been representing people through contested divorces for years, and I bring both legal experience and compassion to every case. My clients aren’t just case numbers—they’re real people going through real turmoil, and they need someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for them, even when things get messy. I’m honest, clear, and not interested in wasting your time or money on drama. You’ll always know where your case stands, what options you have, and what I recommend—without fluff or confusion.
If you’re in Parma, Middleburg Heights, Strongsville, or North Royalton, and you know your divorce is going to be contested, I’m here to help you move through it with confidence.
Contact Us at bankruptcyanddivorceLaw.com or call (440) 743-7000 to schedule a consultation. You’ve got options. Let’s talk about them.
