Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Contested Vs 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 this really necessary? Let's look at the pros and cons of each. Find out if you need a lawyer for your situation. Check out the pros and con of each. We'll also discuss the differences between contested and uncontested divorces.
How Much Will A Divorce Cost?
Although the costs of a divorce is more expensive than one that is uncontested, they are still affordable. A contested divorce is less complicated, but it is more expensive to have a trial. Attorney fees and court fees are usually the same for each, but a contested divorce can incur additional expenses. Child support, maintenance of property, pensions, and property division can be contested in a trial, and the costs of these can increase a couple's total divorce settlement.
If your marriage is amicable and neither party is trying to hide something, a mediated divorce will be the least expensive option. A couple can reach a settlement agreement through mediation before filing for divorce. Some states require that divorce proceedings are mediated before the filing deadline. In some cases, judges may require mediation. However, you should be aware that mediation may not be the best option for every situation.
Uncontested divorces, while more expensive than contested ones, are usually the most affordable. However, a contested marriage can cost over $10,000. These costs include attorney fees, court expenses, and miscellaneous expenses. Hiring an attorney can also add significant costs to your divorce, although an attorney can protect your rights. A study showed that 11% paid $100 per hour for an attorney, and 20% paid $400.
How Long Does A Divorce Take?
If you are thinking of getting divorced, it is likely that you are wondering what the differences are between a uncontested and contested divorce. Although both are legal, uncontested divorces tend to be less expensive. However, uncontested divorces are not for everyone. Even if you and your spouse have agreed to file for a divorce, this doesn't mean that it's going to be a breeze. If you and/or your spouse can't agree on any major issues, you will need to hire an attorney or mediator. In some cases, you might even be able get divorce without the assistance of a lawyer.
Uncontested divorces are usually completed in six weeks if you and your spouse can agree on everything. However, each divorce is different and the timeframes can vary. Some divorces take only six weeks and are relatively quick. Others can take months to resolve. It can take even longer if your spouse has been slow in returning paperwork. In these cases, it may be necessary to hire a lawyer.
The biggest difference between uncontested and litigated divorces is how long it takes. If one party refuses negotiations, the whole process can take many months or even years. A uncontested divorce is much easier because no one is disputing anything. This type of divorce typically involves a lot more stress, which means that both parties have to spend more time and money on the divorce.
What Is The Requirement to Hire a Lawyer for Contested vs Uncontested Divorce?
Whether you should hire a lawyer for contested v and uncontested divorce depends on your state's specific laws. In states that require a lawyer to file for divorce, uncontested divorces are easier to obtain. Uncontested divorces can be less expensive and stressful than contested ones. They also tend to maintain the relationship between the parents. Most people hire a lawyer to help them with contested divorces.
Before you decide whether to retain a lawyer for your divorce, make sure that you are familiar with the laws. Many states require a final hearing before a separation can be made final. If both parties are happy with the settlement, the divorce proceedings can be finalized. If the state does not require a final hearing to end the divorce proceedings, a judge will sign it. Some states require that a waiting period be allowed before a divorce can take place.
Uncontested divorces require the cooperation of both parties. Both the parties can agree on the key terms of an uncontested divorcement, including child custody rights and support. Most often, this includes a settlement agreement and division of marital debts and assets. The judge will approve the final divorce decree after the divorce is finalized. The cost for an uncontested divorce will be low. In many states, a divorce lawyer costs as little as $200.
For more information on Arizona Divorce Law, or help with a pending divorce case, visit one of the sites below