Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
Are you unsure if you should hire a lawyer in Contested or Uncontested Divorce cases?
Many people wonder whether hiring a lawyer in a contested versus an uncontested divorce will save them time and money. But is this really necessary? Let's look at the pros and cons of each. To determine whether hiring a legal professional is appropriate for your case, read on. Also, don't forget the pros and cons. We will also talk about the differences between uncontested and contested divorces.
Divorce Cost
The costs of a contested versus uncontested divorce vary greatly, but the same principles apply to both. Although an uncontested divorce can be more straightforward, it is more expensive to file for a court hearing. While attorney fees and court costs are generally the same, a contested divorce may 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.
Mediated divorce is best for a happy marriage where neither side is trying to hide anything. Mediating can help you and your spouse reach a mutually beneficial settlement agreement before you file for divorce. Some states require that divorce proceedings are mediated before the filing deadline. In some cases, judges may require mediation. 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. 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.
Will A Divorce Take A Long Time To Settle?
There are two types of divorce: contested and uncontested. Both divorces are legal but the first is cheaper. Uncontested divorces may not be for everyone. Even if you and/or your spouse have made an agreement to file for divorce it does not mean that it will be easy. If you and your spouse disagree on any significant issues, you should hire the services of an attorney. In some cases, you might even be able get divorce without the assistance of a lawyer.
Uncontested divorces are usually completed in six weeks if you and your spouse can agree on everything. However, each divorce is different and the timeframes can vary. Some divorces are simple and take less than six months. Others can take months to resolve. It may take longer if your spouse is slow in returning paperwork. In any case, a lawyer may prove necessary.
The length of the divorce process is the most noticeable difference between contested and unsuspected. The whole process can take months, if not years, if one of the parties refuses to compromise. A uncontested divorce is much easier because no one is disputing anything. This type of divorce is more stressful and requires both the parties to invest more time and money.
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 can be obtained in those states that require you to hire a lawyer to file your divorce papers. Uncontested divorces tend to be less costly and involve less stress. For contested divorces, the most common reasons to hire an attorney are for property division and child custody.
Before you can decide whether to hire an attorney, it is important to understand the laws governing divorce. A final hearing is required in many states before a divorce can become final. If both parties are happy with the settlement, the divorce proceedings 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 a waiting time before a divorce can proceed.
The cooperation of both the parties is required for uncontested divorces. Uncontested divorces are when both the spouses agree on the main terms of the divorce. This includes child custody and support. This usually involves a settlement agreement, 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 divorce lawyer costs as little as $200.
For more information on Arizona Divorce Law, or help with a pending divorce case, visit one of the sites below