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? Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of each. You can decide if hiring a lawyer in your specific situation by reading the following. You should also consider the other benefits and drawbacks of each. We will also talk about the differences between uncontested and contested divorces.
Divorce Cost
While the costs of uncontested and contested divorces are very different, they all follow the same principles. Uncontested divorces are easier to handle, but it's more costly to file for trial. 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 couples who are happy in their marriage and don't want to be accused of anything. A couple can reach a settlement agreement through mediation 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.
Although both uncontested and contested divorces cost more, uncontested divorces will be less expensive. The costs of a contested divorcing can reach $10,000. This includes attorney fees, court costs and any other miscellaneous costs. While an attorney is not required to represent you, it can increase the cost of your divorce. One study found that 11% of respondents paid an attorney $100 or more per hour, while 20% paid $400 or more.
Will A Divorce Take A Long Time To Settle?
When you're thinking about getting divorced, you're probably wondering about the differences between a contested and an uncontested divorce. Both divorces are legal but the first is cheaper. Uncontested divorces might not be right for everyone. Even if you and your spouse have agreed to file for a divorce, this doesn't mean that it's going to be a breeze. If you and your spouse cannot agree on any important issues, you'll need to engage the services of an attorney or a mediator. Sometimes, you might be able to obtain divorce without the need for a lawyer.
An uncontested divorce is usually only six weeks long if your spouse and you agree on everything. Each divorce is unique, so time frames can vary greatly. Some divorces are quick and simple, taking less than six weeks. Others can take 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 length of the divorce process is the most noticeable difference between contested and unsuspected. The entire process can be prolonged if one side refuses to negotiate. On the other hand, an uncontested divorce can go through relatively quickly, because no one is disputing anything. This type divorce usually involves more stress which leads to both parties spending more time and money.
Uncontested vs Contested Divorce: What are the Requirements?
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. Uncontested divorces often involve less expense and stress, and can help to maintain the relationship between the couples. The most common reasons to hire a lawyer for contested divorces are property division and child custody.
Before you decide whether you want to hire a lawyer, it is important that your understanding of the laws regarding divorce be clear. In many states, a final hearing must be held before a divorce is final. If the parties agree to the settlement, then the divorce can be finalized. A judge will sign the judgment in cases that do not require a final court hearing. Some states require that a waiting period be allowed before a divorce can take place.
Uncontested divorces require the cooperation of both parties. 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. After the final divorce decree is approved, the judge will read the agreement and sign it. The cost of the uncontested divorce is 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