Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Do you really need a lawyer for a divorce in Arizona?
Many people are unsure if hiring a lawyer to represent them in a contested or uncontested divorce will help save time and money. But, is it really necessary? Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of each. To determine whether hiring a legal professional is appropriate for your case, read on. Also, don't forget the pros and cons. We'll also cover the differences in uncontested and contested divorces.
Divorce Cost
While the costs of uncontested and contested divorces are very different, they all follow the same principles. An uncontested divorce is simpler to finalize, but it can cost more to file for a hearing. The fees for attorney and court are the same. However, contested divorces can be more costly. You can have a trial to dispute child support, maintenance and pensions or property division. These can add to the total divorce settlement.
Mediated divorce is best for a happy marriage where neither side is trying to hide anything. Mediation can be used to help couples reach a compromise agreement before filing for divorce. Some states require that divorce proceedings are mediated before the filing deadline. In some cases, judges may require mediation. It is important to realize that mediation may not work in all cases.
While both contested and uncontested divorces are expensive, uncontested divorces are the cheapest. However, a contested marriage can cost over $10,000. These costs include attorney fees, court expenses, and miscellaneous expenses. An attorney can be costly, but it can help you protect your rights. One study found that 11% of respondents paid an attorney $100 or more per hour, while 20% paid $400 or more.
Will A Divorce Take A Long Time To Settle?
When you're thinking about getting divorced, you're probably wondering about the differences between a contested and an uncontested divorce. Both divorces are legal but the first is cheaper. Uncontested divorces, however, are not for everyone. Even if you have agreed to file for divorce, that doesn't mean it will be an easy process. An attorney or mediator can be hired if your spouse and you are not able to reach an agreement on any key issues. Sometimes, you might be able to obtain divorce without the need for a lawyer.
If you and your spouse agree on everything, an uncontested divorce will generally take about six weeks. Each divorce is unique, so time frames can vary greatly. Some divorces are simple and take less than six months. Others may take many months to resolve. If your spouse is slow to return paperwork, it could take much longer. In both cases, a lawyer may be necessary.
The length of the divorce process is the most noticeable difference between contested and unsuspected. The entire process can be prolonged if one side refuses to negotiate. However, uncontested divorces are much more straightforward because no one disputes anything. This type can be more stressful for both spouses, as they will need to spend more time on the divorce.
For Contested and Uncontested Divorces, You May Need to Have a Lawyer
It depends on the laws of your state as to whether you need a lawyer for uncontested or contested divorce. Uncontested divorces are more common in states that require the use of a lawyer for filing for divorce. There is often less stress and expense associated with uncontested divorces, and they tend to preserve the relationship between the parties. For contested divorces, the most common reasons to hire an attorney are for property division and child custody.
When determining whether to hire a lawyer, you should first understand the laws regarding divorce. A final hearing is required in many states before a divorce can become final. If the parties agree to the settlement, then the divorce can be finalized. In states that do not require a final hearing, a judge will sign the judgment. Some states require a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
The cooperation of both the parties is required for uncontested divorces. An uncontested divorce is when both spouses reach an agreement on the terms of the divorce. Most often, this includes a settlement agreement and division of marital debts and assets. The judge will then review the agreement and approve final divorce decrees. The uncontested divorce is relatively affordable. In many states, a lawyer may cost as little as two hundred dollars.
For more information on Arizona Divorce Law, or help with a pending divorce case, visit one of the sites below