Do you really need a lawyer for a divorce in Arizona?
Do you really need a lawyer for a divorce in Arizona?
People often wonder if hiring a lawyer for a contested divorce is better than hiring one for an uncontested. But, do they really need to? Here are the main pros and cons of both. Find out if you need a lawyer for your situation. And don't forget to check out the other pros and cons of each as well. We'll also be discussing the differences between contested or uncontested divorces.
Cost of a Divorce
Although the costs of a divorce is more expensive than one that is uncontested, they are still affordable. While an uncontested divorce is easier to get through, it costs more to file for a trial. While attorney fees and court costs are generally the same, a contested divorce may incur additional expenses. The costs of child support, maintenance of properties, pensions, and property distribution can all be litigated in court. This can affect a couple’s overall divorce settlement.
Mediated divorce is affordable if the couple is able to reach an amicable agreement and there is no attempt to conceal 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. Mediation may not be the best solution for every case.
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. However, an attorney can help protect your rights and reduce the costs of divorce proceedings. One study found 11% paid $100 or more per an hour to have an attorney represent them, while 20% paid $400.
How Long Does A Divorce Take to Settle?
When you're thinking about getting divorced, you're probably wondering about the differences between a contested and an uncontested divorce. While both divorces are legal, the former is much less expensive. 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. You may be able even to divorce your spouse without the help of a lawyer in some cases.
A uncontested divorce can usually take six weeks if the spouse agrees on everything. Every divorce is different so the timeline can vary. Some divorces are easy and quick, lasting less than six week. Others can take months to resolve. It may take longer if your spouse is slow in returning paperwork. In both cases, a lawyer may be necessary.
The most obvious difference between contested and uncontested divorces is the length of the process. When one party refuses to negotiate, the entire process can take months or even years. An uncontested divorce, on the other hand can be done quickly as no one is disputing anything. This type of divorce is more stressful and requires both the parties to invest more time and money.
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. 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.
Before you decide whether to retain a lawyer for your divorce, make sure that you are familiar with the laws. A final hearing is required in many states before a divorce can become final. The divorce can be finalized if the parties reach an agreement on the settlement. 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.
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. This usually involves a settlement agreement, the division of marital assets, and debts. After the divorce is final, the judge will review the agreement and approve the final divorce decree. The cost for an uncontested divorce will be low. A lawyer can cost as low as $200 in many states.
For more information on Arizona Divorce Law, or help with a pending divorce case, visit one of the sites below