Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Contested Vs Uncontested Arizona 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 pros of both. Find out if you need a lawyer for your situation. Check out the pros and con of each. We will also talk about the differences between uncontested and contested divorces.
How Much Will A Divorce Cost?
Although the costs for a contested or uncontested divorce can vary, the same principles apply to them both. An uncontested divorce is simpler to finalize, but it can cost more to file for a hearing. The attorney fees and court fee are usually the same. However, a divorce that is contested can lead to additional costs. 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. Mediation can be used to help couples reach a compromise agreement before filing for divorce. Some states require that divorces be mediate before filing, and judges can require mediation in specific cases. 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. However, the costs of a contested divorce can exceed $10,000, including attorney fees, court costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. An attorney can be costly, but it can help you protect your rights. One study revealed that 11% of respondents paid $100 per hour or more for an attorney while 20% paid $400 or higher.
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. Although both are legal, uncontested divorces tend to be less expensive. Uncontested divorces may not be for everyone. Even if you have agreed to file for divorce, that doesn't mean it will be an easy process. If you and your spouse cannot agree on any important issues, you'll need to engage the services of an attorney or a mediator. In some cases, you may even be able to get the divorce without a lawyer.
A uncontested divorce can usually take six weeks if the spouse agrees on everything. Of course, every divorce is different, so the timeframe can vary considerably. Some divorces are easy and quick, lasting less than six week. Some divorces can take several months to complete. 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 biggest difference between uncontested and litigated divorces is how long it takes. If one party refuses negotiation, the whole process could take months or even years. An uncontested divorce, on the other hand can be done quickly as no one is disputing anything. 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?
It depends on the laws of your state as to whether you need a lawyer for uncontested or contested divorce. Uncontested divorces are more common in states that require the use of a lawyer for filing for divorce. Uncontested divorces are less stressful and more affordable, and tend to preserve the relationships between the spouses. Most people hire a lawyer to help them with contested divorces.
Before you decide whether to retain a lawyer for your divorce, make sure that you are familiar with the laws. In many states, a final hearing must be held before a divorce is final. The final hearing can only be held if both the parties and the judge agree to the settlement. If there is no final hearing required, a judge can sign the judgment. Some states require a waiting time before a divorce can proceed.
An uncontested divorce requires cooperation from both sides. Both the parties can agree on the key terms of an uncontested divorcement, including child custody rights and support. Typically, this involves a settlement and division of marital estates and debts. The judge will approve the final divorce decree after the divorce is finalized. The cost for an uncontested divorce will be low. 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