Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Contested Vs Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Many people wonder whether hiring a lawyer in a contested versus an uncontested divorce will save them time and money. But, do they really need to? Let's look at the pros and cons of each. Read on to decide whether hiring a lawyer is necessary in your particular situation. Also, don't forget the pros and cons. We'll also talk about the differences in contested and uncontested divorcing.
Divorce Cost
The costs of a contested versus uncontested divorce vary greatly, but the same principles apply to both. 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. 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.
A mediated divorce is the best option if your marriage is peaceful and you are not trying to hide anything. Mediation can help a couple reach a settlement agreement before filing for a divorce. Some states require divorces to be mediated before filing. Judges can also require mediation in some cases. Mediation may not be the best solution for every case.
Although both contested or uncontested divorces can be costly, uncontested are typically the most expensive. The costs of a contested divorcing can reach $10,000. This includes attorney fees, court costs and any other miscellaneous costs. Although an attorney may be able to protect your rights, hiring an attorney can add considerable costs to your divorce proceedings. One study found that 11% of respondents paid an attorney $100 or more per hour, while 20% paid $400 or more.
Will A Divorce Take A Long Time To Settle?
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. Uncontested divorces aren't 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. Sometimes, you might be able to obtain divorce without the need for a lawyer.
Uncontested divorces usually last six weeks, if both you and your spouse are in agreement on everything. Every divorce is different so the timeline can vary. Some divorces take only six weeks and are relatively quick. Others can take months to resolve. If your spouse is slow to return paperwork, it could take much longer. In these cases, it may be necessary to hire a lawyer.
The main difference between uncontested and contested divorces is their length. When one party refuses to negotiate, the entire process can 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 can be more stressful for both spouses, as they will need to spend more time on the divorce.
For Contested and Uncontested Divorces, You May Need to Have a Lawyer
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 can be obtained in those states that require you to hire a lawyer to file your divorce papers. Uncontested divorces can be less expensive and stressful than contested ones. They also tend to maintain the relationship between the parents. The most common reasons to hire a lawyer for contested divorces are property division and child custody.
It is essential that you understand the laws surrounding divorce before you make a decision about whether or not to hire a legal representative. Many states require a final hearing before a separation can be made final. Once the parties have reached an agreement, the divorce 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 a waiting period be allowed before a divorce can take place.
An uncontested divorce requires cooperation from both sides. Uncontested divorces are when both the spouses agree on the main terms of the divorce. This includes child custody and support. 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. The uncontested divorce is relatively 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