A contested divorce is any divorce where spouses cannot reach full agreement on one or more issues — property division, parenting time, support, or debt. It does not require animosity or courtroom drama, but it does require strategic legal representation. Without it, critical decisions get made without your full input. Attorney Mindi Lasley handles contested divorce cases throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County with thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and a clear strategy from day one.
What Makes a Divorce “Contested”?
A contested divorce arises when the parties disagree — or stop agreeing — on any issue that must be resolved before the divorce is final. Common contested issues include:
- Property division — What is marital versus non-marital, how to value assets, who keeps what
- Parenting plan and time-sharing — Where children live, decision-making authority, holiday schedules
- Child support — Income disputes, underreported earnings, childcare costs
- Alimony — Whether support is warranted, how much, and for how long
- Debt allocation — Who is responsible for joint and individual debts accumulated during the marriage
- Business valuation — What a marital business is worth and how it gets divided
The Contested Divorce Process in Hillsborough County
A contested divorce in Hillsborough County follows a defined legal process through the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court. Understanding each stage helps you prepare:
| Stage | What Happens |
|—|—|
| Filing & Service | Petition filed and served on the respondent spouse. Response due within 20 days. |
| Temporary Orders | Emergency or temporary relief for support, use of the marital home, or custody during the proceedings |
| Financial Disclosure | Mandatory exchange of financial affidavits and supporting documents |
| Discovery | Interrogatories, depositions, subpoenas, and document requests to uncover all facts |
| Mediation | Required in most Hillsborough County contested cases before trial |
| Pre-Trial Conference | Court reviews unresolved issues and sets trial schedule |
| Trial | Judge hears evidence and testimony and issues final rulings on all unresolved matters |
| Final Judgment | Court enters the final judgment of dissolution incorporating all rulings |
How Mindi Lasley Approaches Contested Divorce
Mindi Lasley, P.A. treats every contested divorce as a case that may go all the way to trial — even when settlement is likely. That preparation changes everything. Opposing counsel knows whether your attorney is ready to fight or ready to fold. We make it clear from the outset that we are ready to take every issue to a judge if a fair resolution is not reached.
Our approach in every contested case:
- Early strategy development — Identify the key contested issues, your priorities, and potential vulnerabilities before responding to anything
- Aggressive discovery — Subpoena financial records, depose the opposing party, and work with forensic experts when needed
- Temporary order hearings — Protect your access to the marital home, financial accounts, and children during the proceedings
- Mediation preparation — Most Hillsborough County cases settle in mediation. We prepare clients thoroughly and go in knowing exactly what we will and won’t accept
- Trial readiness — If mediation fails, we present a polished, well-documented case to the judge with organized exhibits, prepared witnesses, and clear legal arguments
High-Conflict Contested Divorce in Tampa
Some contested divorce cases involve a level of conflict that goes beyond financial disagreement — domestic violence history, parental alienation, substance abuse, or a spouse who refuses to participate in good faith. These cases require an attorney who knows how to use the legal system’s protective mechanisms effectively. Mindi Lasley, P.A. has experience with emergency relief, contempt proceedings, and protective orders when the situation demands them.
Protecting Children in Contested Divorce Proceedings
When children are involved in a contested divorce, the parenting plan dispute often becomes the most emotionally charged part of the case. Florida courts in Hillsborough County require that all custody decisions reflect the best interests of the child — not either parent’s preferences. We approach custody disputes with that standard as our guide, building parenting plans that courts approve and that genuinely serve children’s wellbeing.
When the stakes around custody are high, Mindi Lasley, P.A. works with custody evaluators, guardians ad litem, and child psychology experts to build the strongest possible case around your child’s actual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|—|—|
| How long does a contested divorce take in Hillsborough County? | Most contested cases resolve in 6–18 months. Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes can take longer. |
| Do all contested divorces go to trial? | No. Most resolve through mediation or negotiated settlement before trial — but only when both sides are properly prepared and represented. |
| Can I represent myself in a contested divorce? | Technically yes. Practically, it puts you at a severe disadvantage, especially against a represented spouse. |
| What is temporary relief and when should I ask for it? | Temporary orders establish living arrangements, financial support, and child custody rules while the divorce is pending. They should be sought early if circumstances require it. |
| What happens if my spouse refuses to participate? | Florida allows default proceedings when a respondent fails to respond. The court can proceed without them and enter orders accordingly. |
| Is mediation mandatory in Hillsborough County? | Yes, for most contested family law cases. The court typically requires at least one mediation session before setting a trial date. |
Local Resources for Contested Divorce in Hillsborough County
| Resource | Description |
|—|—|
| Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court | Hillsborough County family court — local rules, procedures, and forms |
| Hillsborough County Clerk of Court | File divorce petitions and access case records |
| Florida Bar — Divorce in Florida | Consumer overview of the Florida divorce process |
| Florida Courts — Family Law Resources | Statewide family court resources |
You Need a Fighter — Not a Settler
A contested divorce requires an attorney who brings genuine preparation and real courtroom capability to the table. Mindi Lasley, P.A. handles contested divorce in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County with the thoroughness and advocacy that protects your interests at every stage. Call us at 813-873-9047 or reach us at our contact page to start building your case.
About Mindi Lasley, P.A.: Mindi Lasley, P.A. is a Tampa-based family law firm handling contested and uncontested divorce cases throughout Hillsborough County. The firm is known for thorough preparation, strategic litigation, and the willingness to take every case as far as necessary to protect its clients’ rights. Attorney Mindi Lasley personally handles every case she takes.