In English/Welsh law, if matters are defended, your spouse will need to complete the Acknowledgment of Service form to indicate that they intend to defend the proceedings, and also file an Answer to your petition, setting out why they object to the divorce. They may also file a Cross-Petition, which means that they are endeavouring to divorce you on a different ground/fact. The court will fix an appointment for the judge to make directions for the filing of evidence if a way forward cannot be negotiated. A contested court hearing will then follow. It will take place in open court, which unlike the majority of family law proceedings, is open for members of the public to attend. Evidence will be heard from both parties, and any supporting witnesses if applicable, and the court will make a decision based on a balance of probabilities. Contested divorce proceedings can be lengthy, costly and time-consuming when the likelihood is that both parties have decided that their relationship cannot continue. As such, they tend to be few and far between.