Do you really need a lawyer for a divorce in Arizona?
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Contested Vs Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Many people wonder if they will be able to save time and money by hiring a lawyer in a contested versus uncontested divorce. 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. Don't forget about the pros and cons of each. We'll also be discussing the differences between contested or uncontested 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. Attorney fees and court fees are usually the same for each, but a contested divorce can incur additional expenses. There are many issues that can be litigated during a trial. They include child support, maintenance, pensions and property division. The cost of these items can also increase the couple's final divorce settlement.
Mediated divorce is best for couples who are happy in their marriage and don't want to be accused of anything. Mediating can help you and your spouse reach a mutually beneficial settlement agreement before you file for divorce. Some states require divorces to be mediated before filing. Judges can also require mediation in some 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. However, a contested marriage can cost over $10,000. These costs include attorney fees, court expenses, and miscellaneous expenses. An attorney can be costly, but it can help you protect your rights. 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?
When you're thinking about getting divorced, you're probably wondering about the differences between a contested and an uncontested divorce. Although both are legal, uncontested divorces tend to be less expensive. Uncontested divorces may not be 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. Sometimes, you might be able to obtain divorce without the need for a lawyer.
A uncontested divorce can usually take six weeks if the spouse agrees on everything. Of course, every divorce is different, so the timeframe can vary considerably. Some divorces are simple and take less than six months. Others may take many months to resolve. It could take longer if your spouse is slow to complete paperwork. A lawyer might be required in either case.
The biggest difference between uncontested and litigated divorces is how long it takes. The whole process can take months, if not years, if one of the parties refuses to compromise. An uncontested divorce, on the other hand can be done quickly as no one is disputing anything. This type of divorce typically involves a lot more stress, which means that both parties have to spend more time and money on the divorce.
For Contested and Uncontested Divorces, You May Need to Have a Lawyer
Your state's specific laws will dictate whether you need to hire a legal representative for contested vs uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces in states that require a divorce lawyer are much easier to obtain. There is often less stress and expense associated with uncontested divorces, and they tend to preserve the relationship between the parties. Most people hire a lawyer to help them with contested divorces.
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. 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 time before a divorce can proceed.
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. Most often, this includes a settlement agreement and division of marital debts and assets. The final divorce decree will be approved by the judge after the agreement is reviewed and approved by the judge. The cost for an uncontested divorce will be low. In many states, a lawyer may cost as little as two hundred dollars.
For more information on Arizona Divorce Law, or help with a pending divorce case, visit one of the sites below
https://sites.google.com/view/colburn-hintze-maletta/communities-served