A contested divorce is a legal process in which spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues related to the dissolution of their marriage. Unlike an uncontested divorce, where both parties mutually settle matters, what is a contested divorce a contested divorce often requires court involvement and can take longer to resolve. The main areas of dispute typically include child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support (alimony), and the division of marital property and debts. Because these issues affect the rights and responsibilities of both spouses, disagreements often arise that need judicial intervention.