Do you really need a lawyer for a divorce in Arizona?
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Many people wonder if it is worth hiring a lawyer for a contested rather than an uncontested divorcement. Is it really necessary? These are the main pros of both. Find out if you need a lawyer for your situation. Check out the pros and con of each. We'll also talk about the differences in contested and uncontested divorcing.
How Much Will A Divorce Cost?
The costs of a contested versus uncontested divorce vary greatly, but the same principles apply to both. An uncontested divorce is simpler to finalize, but it can cost more to file for a hearing. Although attorney fees and court fees are typically the same for both parties, a contested separation can result in additional costs. 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. Mediating can help you and your spouse reach a mutually beneficial settlement agreement before you file for divorce. Some states require that the divorce proceedings be mediated before they can be filed. Judges may also require mediation in certain cases. 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 separation can cost more than $10,000. That includes attorney fees, court costs, as well as other expenses. 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.
Will A Divorce Take A Long Time To Settle?
You may be wondering what the difference is between a contested or uncontested divorce when you think about getting divorcéed. While both divorces are legal, the former is much less expensive. Uncontested divorces may not be for everyone. Even if you have agreed to file for divorce, that doesn't mean it will be an easy process. If you and your spouse disagree on any significant issues, you should hire the services of an attorney. Sometimes, you might be able to obtain divorce without the need for a lawyer.
Uncontested divorces are usually completed in six weeks if you and your spouse can agree on everything. 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. It can take even longer if your spouse has been slow in returning paperwork. In either case, a lawyer may be necessary.
The biggest difference between uncontested and litigated divorces is how long it takes. 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 divorce usually involves more stress which leads to both parties spending more time and money.
For Contested and Uncontested Divorces, You May Need to Have a Lawyer
Whether you should hire a lawyer for contested v and uncontested divorce depends on your state's specific laws. Uncontested divorces can be obtained in those states that require you to hire a lawyer to file your divorce papers. Uncontested divorces tend to be less costly and involve less stress. Most people hire a lawyer to help them with contested divorces.
When determining whether to hire a lawyer, you should first understand the laws regarding divorce. Most states require that a final hearing be held before a divorcing party can legally proceed. The final hearing can only be held if both the parties and the judge agree to the settlement. If there is no final hearing required, a judge can sign the judgment. Some states require a waiting phase before a divorce decree can be finalized.
An uncontested divorce requires cooperation from both sides. Both parties must agree to the major terms of an uncontested divorcement, including child custody, support, and maintenance. Typically, this involves a settlement and division of marital estates and debts. The judge will then review the agreement and approve final divorce decrees. The cost for an uncontested divorce will be low. In many states, a lawyer could cost as low as two hundred dollars.
For more information on Arizona Divorce Law, or help with a pending divorce case, visit one of the sites below