Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Contested Vs Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Contested Vs Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Many people are unsure if hiring a lawyer to represent them in a contested or uncontested divorce will help save time and money. Is it really necessary? Here are the main pros and cons of both. To determine whether hiring a legal professional is appropriate for your case, read on. You should also consider the other benefits and drawbacks of each. We'll also discuss the differences between contested and uncontested divorces.
Divorce Cost
While the costs of uncontested and contested divorces are very different, they all follow the same principles. An uncontested divorce is simpler to finalize, but it can cost more to file for a hearing. 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 that divorce proceedings are mediated before the filing deadline. In some cases, judges may require mediation. 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. However, a contested separation can cost more than $10,000. That includes attorney fees, court costs, as well as other expenses. However, an attorney can help protect your rights and reduce the costs of divorce proceedings. A study showed that 11% paid $100 per hour for an attorney, and 20% paid $400.
Will A Divorce Take A Long Time To Settle?
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. However, uncontested divorces are not 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 disagree on any significant issues, you should hire the services of an attorney. In certain cases, you may be able obtain the divorce without the involvement of a lawyer.
A uncontested divorce can usually take six weeks if the spouse agrees on everything. However, each divorce is different and the timeframes can vary. Some divorces can be completed in less than six weeks. Others can take months to resolve. If your spouse is slow to return paperwork, it could take much longer. In both cases, a lawyer may be necessary.
The main difference between uncontested and contested divorces is their length. If one party refuses negotiations, the whole process can take many months or even years. However, uncontested divorces are much more straightforward because no one disputes 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.
Is A Lawyer Required for Contested or Uncontested Divorce
Whether you should hire a lawyer for contested v and uncontested divorce depends on your state's specific laws. Uncontested divorces in states that require a divorce lawyer are much easier to obtain. Uncontested divorces can be less expensive and stressful than contested ones. They also tend to maintain the relationship between the parents. 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. In many states, a final hearing must be held before a divorce is final. If both parties are happy with the settlement, the divorce proceedings can be finalized. If there is no final hearing required, a judge can sign the judgment. Some states require that there be a waiting period before a divorce is finalized.
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. Typically, this involves a settlement and division of marital estates and debts. After the divorce is final, the judge will review the agreement and approve the final divorce decree. The cost of the uncontested divorce is low. 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