In New York State, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on key issues such as property division, child custody, spousal support, or other matters. The process begins with one spouse filing a divorce petition and serving the other spouse. Contested Divorce New York State The responding spouse may file an answer, often disputing specific claims. Contested divorces usually involve court appearances, mediation efforts, and possibly a trial if disputes remain unresolved. Each party typically retains their own attorney to protect their rights. The process can be lengthy and costly, depending on the complexity of issues and the level of conflict.