Do you really need a lawyer for a divorce in Arizona?
What is the best way to get a lawyer to represent you in a contested or uncontested divorce?
People often wonder if hiring a lawyer for a contested divorce is better than hiring one for an uncontested. But is it really necessary to hire a lawyer in a contested versus an uncontested divorce? These are the main benefits and drawbacks of each. Read on to decide whether hiring a lawyer is necessary in your particular situation. Check out the pros and con of each. We'll also talk about the differences in contested and uncontested divorcing.
Divorce Cost
While the costs of a contested and uncontested divorce are different, they both have similar costs. An uncontested divorce is simpler to finalize, but it can cost more to file for a hearing. 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.
If your marriage is amicable and neither party is trying to hide something, a mediated divorce will be the least expensive option. Mediating can help couples reach a settlement before they file for divorce. Some states require that the divorce proceedings be mediated before they can be filed. Judges may also require mediation in certain cases. But mediation may not always be the best option in every case.
Uncontested divorces, while more expensive than contested ones, are usually the most affordable. 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 11% paid $100 or more per an hour to have an attorney represent them, while 20% paid $400.
Time Required For A Divorce
When you're thinking about getting divorced, you're probably wondering about the differences between a contested and an uncontested divorce. While both divorces are legal, the former is much 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 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.
If you and your spouse agree on everything, an uncontested divorce will generally take about six weeks. Each divorce is unique, so time frames can vary greatly. Some divorces are quick and simple, taking less than six weeks. Others, however, require several months to resolve. It may take longer if your spouse is slow in returning paperwork. A lawyer might be required in either case.
The most obvious difference between contested and uncontested divorces is the length of the process. If one party refuses negotiation, the whole process could take months or even years. However, uncontested divorces are much more straightforward because no one disputes anything. This type is often more stressful, so both sides will have to spend more time and more money.
Uncontested vs Contested Divorce: What are the Requirements?
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 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. In many states, a final hearing must be held before a divorce is final. The divorce can be finalized if the parties reach an agreement on the settlement. In states that do not require a final hearing, a judge will sign the judgment. Some states require a waiting phase before a divorce decree can be finalized.
Uncontested divorces require the cooperation of both parties. In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on the major terms of the divorce, including child custody and support. 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 uncontested divorce is relatively affordable. 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