Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Contested Vs Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
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? These are the main benefits and drawbacks of each. Find out if you need a lawyer for your situation. Check out the pros and con of each. We'll also cover the differences in uncontested and contested divorces.
Divorce Cost
While the costs of a contested and uncontested divorce are different, they both have similar costs. A contested divorce is less complicated, but it is more expensive to have a trial. The fees for attorney and court are the same. However, contested divorces can be more costly. 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. 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. You should know that mediation might not be the best choice for all situations.
Although both contested or uncontested divorces can be costly, uncontested are typically the most 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?
If you are thinking of getting divorced, it is likely that you are wondering what the differences are between a uncontested and contested divorce. While both divorces are legal, the former is much less expensive. Uncontested divorces aren't for everyone. Even if you and/or your spouse have made an agreement to file for divorce it does not mean that it will be easy. If you and your spouse disagree on any significant issues, you should hire the services of an attorney. In some cases, you might even be able get divorce without the assistance of a lawyer.
Uncontested divorces usually last six weeks, if both you and your spouse are in agreement on everything. Every divorce is different so the timeline can vary. Some divorces are quick and simple, taking less than six weeks. Others, however, require several months to resolve. It may take longer if your spouse is slow in returning paperwork. In these cases, it may be necessary to hire a lawyer.
The main difference between uncontested and contested divorces is their length. The entire process can be prolonged if one side refuses to negotiate. Uncontested divorces can be completed quickly because there is no dispute. This type of divorce is more stressful and requires both the parties to invest more time and money.
Is A Lawyer Required for Contested or Uncontested Divorce
Your state's specific laws will dictate whether you need to hire a legal representative for contested vs uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces are less common in states that require lawyers to file for divorce. Uncontested divorces can be less expensive and stressful than contested ones. They also tend to maintain the relationship between the parents. Property division and child custody are the most common reasons for hiring a lawyer in contested divorce cases.
Before you decide whether to retain a lawyer for your divorce, make sure that you are familiar with the laws. 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. A judge will sign judgments in states that don't require a final hearing. Some states require a waiting time before a divorce can proceed.
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 will involve a settlement agreement as well as the division and payment of marital property and debts. The judge will approve the final divorce decree after the divorce is finalized. The cost for an uncontested divorce will be low. In some states, a lawyer might cost as little as 200 dollars.
For more information on Arizona Divorce Law, or help with a pending divorce case, visit one of the sites below