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 wonder if they will be able to save time and money by hiring a lawyer in a contested versus uncontested divorce. But is this really necessary? These are the main benefits and drawbacks of each. To determine whether hiring a legal professional is appropriate for your case, read on. Don't forget about the pros and cons of each. We'll also talk about the differences in contested and uncontested divorcing.
Cost of a Divorce
Although the costs of a divorce is more expensive than one that is uncontested, they are still affordable. 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. 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.
Mediated divorce is best for a happy marriage where neither side is trying to hide anything. Mediating can help couples reach a settlement before they file 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.
Both contested and uncontested divorcing are costly, but uncontested divorces tend to be the least expensive. The costs of a contested divorcing can reach $10,000. This includes attorney fees, court costs and any other miscellaneous costs. Although an attorney may be able to protect your rights, hiring an attorney can add considerable costs to your divorce proceedings. A study showed that 11% paid $100 per hour for an attorney, and 20% paid $400.
How Long Does A Divorce Take to Settle?
It is possible to be confused about the differences between uncontested and contested divorces if you are considering getting divorced. Although both are legal, the uncontested divorce is less costly. Uncontested divorces aren't for everyone. It doesn't necessarily mean that a divorce will be easy even if your spouse has agreed to file. If you and your spouse cannot agree on any important issues, you'll need to engage the services of an attorney or a mediator. In some cases, you may even be able to get the divorce without a lawyer.
An uncontested divorce is usually only six weeks long if your spouse and you agree on everything. The timeframe for divorce can vary depending on the circumstances. Some divorces can be completed in less than six weeks. Others may take many months to resolve. If your spouse is slow to return paperwork, it could take much longer. A lawyer might be required in either case.
The most obvious difference between contested and uncontested divorces is the length of the process. The whole process can take months, if not years, if one of the parties refuses to compromise. Uncontested divorces can be completed quickly because there is no dispute. This type can be more stressful for both spouses, as they will need to spend more time on the divorce.
Is A Lawyer Required for Contested or Uncontested Divorce
It depends on the laws of your state as to whether you need a lawyer for uncontested or contested divorce. In states that require a lawyer to file for divorce, uncontested divorces are easier to obtain. Uncontested divorces are less stressful and more affordable, and tend to preserve the relationships between the spouses. Common reasons to hire a lawyer when contested divorcing are child custody and property division.
Before you can decide whether to hire an attorney, it is important to understand the laws governing divorce. In many states, a final hearing must be held before a divorce is 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 a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
Both parties must cooperate in uncontested divorces. An uncontested divorce is when both spouses reach an agreement on the terms of the divorce. Usually, this involves a settlement agreement and the division of marital assets and debts. The final divorce decree will be approved by the judge after the agreement is reviewed and approved by the judge. Uncontested divorces are relatively inexpensive. 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