A contested divorce is a more complicated and prolonged proceeding then an uncontested Pennsylvania Divorce. A contested divorce is commenced by filing a Complaint in Divorce in the applicable Pennsylvania County Court of Common Pleas. The Defendant has the opportunity to file a Counter-claim against the innocent and injured Plaintiff spouse or raise defenses to the divorce action. Common defenses raised by Defendant spouse include but are not limited to collusion, connivance, recrimination, condonation, provocation, mental illness and consent. Contested divorces generally involve division of property, both real and personal, custody, child support and spousal support. These issues can be very complex and emotionally draining for the parties and therefore it is essential to seek competent and caring legal counsel.