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, do they really need to? These are the main pros of both. Read on to decide whether hiring a lawyer is necessary in your particular situation. And don't forget to check out the other pros and cons of each as well. We'll also talk about the differences in contested and uncontested divorcing.
How Much Will A Divorce Cost?
While the costs of uncontested and contested divorces are very different, they all follow the same principles. Although an uncontested divorce can be more straightforward, it is more expensive to file for a court hearing. While attorney fees and court costs are generally the same, a contested divorce may incur additional expenses. 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 couples who are happy in their marriage and don't want to be accused of anything. Mediation can help a couple reach a settlement agreement before filing for a divorce. Some states require divorces to be mediated before filing. Judges can also require mediation in some cases. But mediation may not always be the best option in every case.
While both contested and uncontested divorces are expensive, uncontested divorces are the cheapest. The costs of a contested divorcing can reach $10,000. This includes attorney fees, court costs and any other miscellaneous costs. 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.
Time Required For A Divorce
You may be wondering what the difference is between a contested or uncontested divorce when you think about getting divorcéed. Both divorces are legal but the first is cheaper. Uncontested divorces might not be right 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/or your spouse can't agree on any major issues, you will need to hire an attorney or mediator. In certain cases, you may be able obtain the divorce without the involvement of a lawyer.
A uncontested divorce can usually take six weeks if the spouse agrees on everything. The timeframe for divorce can vary depending on the circumstances. Some divorces can be completed in less than six weeks. Others can take months to resolve. It could take longer if your spouse is slow to complete paperwork. In either case, a lawyer may be necessary.
The length of the divorce process is the most noticeable difference between contested and unsuspected. 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 is often more stressful, so both sides will have to spend more time and more money.
Is A Lawyer Required for Contested or Uncontested Divorce
You should choose whether you hire a lawyer to file for contested v divorce or uncontested divorce depending on the state's laws. Uncontested divorces can be obtained in those states that require you to hire a lawyer to file your divorce papers. Uncontested divorces often involve less expense and stress, and can help to maintain the relationship between the couples. Property division and child custody are the most common reasons for hiring a lawyer in contested divorce cases.
Before you decide whether you want to hire a lawyer, it is important that your understanding of the laws regarding divorce be clear. Many states require a final hearing before a divorce can be final. If both parties are happy with the settlement, the divorce proceedings can be finalized. If there is no final hearing required, a judge can sign the judgment. Some states require that a waiting period be allowed before a divorce can take place.
An uncontested divorce requires cooperation from both sides. Both the parties can agree on the key terms of an uncontested divorcement, including child custody rights and support. 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 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