What Happens During a Divorce Trial?

In most divorce cases, valiant efforts are made through negotiation and mediation to resolve all issues, to save the parties the financial and emotional strain that often comes with a divorcetrial. Sometimes, however, these efforts are unsuccessful and the parties must seek the help of a Judge, through a final divorce trial, in obtaining a final divorce. During the trial, each spousepresents evidence regarding the reasons for the divorce, as well as how alimony, child custody, child support, and equitable division should be determined. The evidence may include witnesstestimony and documents. The length of the trial can vary greatly, depending on how many witnesses each side presents, and the length of time each witness testifies. The Judge then considers theevidence and the arguments of each side and makes his/her determination on all issues. A final divorce decree will be issued, outlining the rights and responsibilities of each party andofficially terminating the marriage.