199. Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce: What Every Divorcing Person Needs to Know, with Renee Turner

About this episode

This episode discusses the differences between uncontested and contested divorce, emphasizing the importance of preparation and legal understanding.

When people think about divorce, they often assume they can just "choose" an uncontested process. But what most people don't realize is that uncontested divorce requires more than goodwill — it requires preparation, financial transparency, and a clear understanding of your legal rights. Without that foundation, the most well-intentioned divorces can quickly become expensive, adversarial, and emotionally devastating. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan are joined by Renee Turner, family and matrimonial attorney and founder of Thoughtful Lawyering in New York. Renee draws on more than 13 years of legal experience to walk listeners through what uncontested and contested divorce actually mean — not just in theory, but in practice. From financial disclosure requirements and New York's maintenance cap to prenuptial agreements and co-parenting dynamics, this conversation covers the legal landscape that every divorcing person needs to understand. Catherine brings in the financial preparation angle, explaining how the MDS Financial Portrait gives clients the verified financial clarity they need to confidently enter — or switch out of — an…

People in this episode

Hosts: Karen Chellew, Catherine Shanahan

Guest: Renee Turner

Topics covered

• uncontested divorce
• contested divorce
• legal rights
• financial transparency
• co-parenting dynamics
• divorce preparation

Keywords

• divorce
• uncontested divorce
• contested divorce
• financial disclosure
• legal rights
• co-parenting
• New York divorce
• prenuptial agreements

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Thoughtful Lawyering

Places: New York

More episodes of We Chat Divorce Podcast

• 198. Divorce Settlement Agreement: What It Covers and How to Protect Yourself · June 3, 2026 · 34 min
• 197. Thinking About Divorce? What to Know Before You Decide, with Guest Cindy Stibbard · May 27, 2026 · 38 min
• 196. Divorce Mediation, Settlement Conferences, and Court Hearings: How to Walk In Prepared · May 21, 2026 · 27 min
• 195. The Cost of Quiet: Reclaiming Your Voice, Financial Clarity & Emotional Safety in Divorce · May 13, 2026 · 44 min
• 194. Divorce Explored: Alimony and Spousal Support Explained: How It's Really Calculated · May 6, 2026 · 38 min
• 193. Divorce Documentation: Turn Chaos Into Court-Ready Proof · April 29, 2026 · 31 min