Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Contested Vs Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Many people wonder whether hiring a lawyer in a contested versus an uncontested divorce will save them time and money. But is this really necessary? These are the main pros of both. 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.
Cost of a Divorce
Although the costs for a contested or uncontested divorce can vary, the same principles apply to them both. While an uncontested divorce is easier to get through, it costs more to file for a trial. The attorney fees and court fee are usually the same. However, a divorce that is contested can lead to additional costs. 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. Mediation can be used to help couples reach a compromise agreement before filing for divorce. Some states require that a divorce be mediated before it is filed. In certain cases, judges may require mediation. It is important to realize that mediation may not work in all cases.
Although both uncontested and contested divorces cost more, uncontested divorces will be less expensive. A contested divorce costs more than $10,000 including attorney fees and court costs. Hiring an attorney can also add significant costs to your divorce, although an attorney can protect your rights. A study showed that 11% paid $100 per hour for an attorney, and 20% paid $400.
Time Required For A Divorce
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. However, uncontested divorces are not 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. An attorney or mediator can be hired if your spouse and you are not able to reach an agreement on any key issues. You may be able even to divorce your spouse without the help of a lawyer in some cases.
Uncontested divorces are usually completed in six weeks if you and your spouse can agree on everything. However, each divorce is different and the timeframes can vary. Some divorces are quick and simple, taking less than six weeks. Others can take months to resolve. It can take even longer if your spouse has been 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. If one party refuses negotiation, the whole process could take months or even years. On the other hand, an uncontested divorce can go through relatively quickly, because no one is disputing anything. This type of divorce is more stressful and requires both the parties to invest more time and money.
What Is The Requirement to Hire a Lawyer for Contested vs Uncontested Divorce?
It depends on the laws of your state as to whether you need a lawyer for uncontested or contested divorce. Uncontested divorces are less common in states that require lawyers to file for divorce. 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. 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 the state does not require a final hearing to end the divorce proceedings, a judge will sign it. Some states require that there be a waiting period before a divorce is finalized.
Both parties must cooperate in uncontested divorces. In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on the major terms of the divorce, including child custody and support. 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. Uncontested divorces are relatively inexpensive. 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