The contested final hearing is a formal court hearing (like the interim hearing, if you had one). The Judge listens to both sides, then issues a final order. You may give your own testimony and present witnesses and documents. You may cross-examine your spouse. The court rules of evidence and procedure apply.
The Judge may tell you on the hearing day what the final order will say. Or you may receive it in the mail after it has been drafted and signed. The Order takes effect when the clerk enters it on the "court docket," usually the same day the Judge signs it.
Watch our Divorce Hearing Videos to prepare for this formal court hearing. NOTE: The situations presented in the videos involve children’s issues, but the same rules of procedure and evidence highlighted in the videos apply in your case.