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? Let's look at the pros and cons of each. 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 cover the differences in uncontested and contested divorces.
Divorce Cost
Although the costs of a divorce is more expensive than one that is uncontested, they are still affordable. 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. A couple can reach a settlement agreement through mediation before filing 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.
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. 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.
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. Although both are legal, uncontested divorces tend to be less expensive. However, uncontested divorces are not for everyone. Although you have reached an agreement to file for divorce, it doesn't guarantee that the process will be straightforward. You will need an attorney or mediator if you and your spouse are unable to agree on important issues. You may be able even to divorce your spouse without the help of a lawyer in some cases.
Uncontested divorces usually last six weeks, if both you and your spouse are in agreement on everything. The timeframe for divorce can vary depending on the circumstances. Some divorces are easy and quick, lasting less than six week. Some cases take several months to settle. It can take even longer if your spouse has been slow in returning paperwork. In any case, a lawyer may prove necessary.
The main difference between uncontested and contested divorces is their length. If one party refuses negotiations, the whole process can take many months or even years. Uncontested divorces can be completed quickly because there is no dispute. 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.
Am I Required to Hire a Lawyer for a Uncontested or Contested divorce?
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. For contested divorces, the most common reasons to hire an attorney are for property division and child custody.
Before you decide whether to retain a lawyer for your divorce, make sure that you are familiar with the laws. A final hearing is required in many states before a divorce can become 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 a waiting period before a divorce 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. Usually, this will involve a settlement agreement as well as the division and payment of marital property and debts. The final divorce decree will be approved by the judge after the agreement is reviewed and approved by the judge. The cost of an uncontested divorce can be very affordable. 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