"Contested” and “non-contested” hearings are terms you will likely hear as you near the end of your divorce or custody case. Every divorce or custody case ends in a hearing, whether that is contested or non-contested. For legal literacy, you need to know the difference as these terms will be used heavily towards the end of your case. Contested hearings are trials, whereas non-contested hearings are administrative proceedings.

You have decided to file for divorce or allocation of parental responsibilities (custody). And now you are asked whether you need Temporary Orders. But what are Temporary Orders? Do you need them? This is a common question that many clients come to us with after their case has already started. First, you need to understand what Temporary Orders are.