Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or 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 it really necessary? Here are the main pros and cons of both. Learn more to determine if a lawyer is right for you. Check out the pros and con 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. Uncontested divorces are easier to handle, but it's more costly to file for trial. The attorney fees and court fee are usually the same. However, a divorce that is contested can lead to additional costs. 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 affordable if the couple is able to reach an amicable agreement and there is no attempt to conceal anything. Mediation can be used to help couples reach a compromise agreement before filing for divorce. Some states require divorces to be mediated before filing. Judges can also require mediation in some cases. However, you should be aware that mediation may not be the best option for every situation.
Although both contested or uncontested divorces can be costly, uncontested are typically the most 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. One study found that 11% of respondents paid an attorney $100 or more per hour, while 20% paid $400 or more.
Time Required For A Divorce
There are two types of divorce: contested and uncontested. While both divorces are legal, the former is much less expensive. Uncontested divorces might not be right for everyone. Although you have reached an agreement to file for divorce, it doesn't guarantee that the process will be straightforward. If you and your spouse disagree on any significant issues, you should hire the services of an attorney. In some cases, you may even be able to get the divorce without a lawyer.
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 simple and take less than six months. Others, however, require several months to resolve. It could take longer if your spouse is slow to complete paperwork. In these cases, it may be necessary to hire a lawyer.
The most obvious difference between contested and uncontested divorces is the length of the process. The whole process can take months, if not years, if one of the parties refuses to compromise. 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.
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 in states that require a divorce lawyer are much easier to obtain. Uncontested divorces tend to be less costly and involve less stress. Property division and child custody are the most common reasons for hiring a lawyer in contested divorce cases.
When determining whether to hire a lawyer, you should first understand the laws regarding divorce. A final hearing is required in many states before a divorce can become final. Once the parties have reached an agreement, the divorce can be finalized. A judge will sign judgments in states that don't require a final hearing. Some states require a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
The cooperation of both the parties is required for uncontested divorces. Both parties must agree to the major terms of an uncontested divorcement, including child custody, support, and maintenance. Usually, this involves a settlement agreement and the division of marital assets and debts. After the divorce is final, the judge will review the agreement and approve the final divorce decree. Uncontested divorces are relatively inexpensive. 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