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. But, do they really need to? Let's look at the pros and cons of each. To determine whether hiring a legal professional is appropriate for your case, read on. Check out the pros and con of each. We'll also talk about the differences in contested and uncontested divorcing.
How Much Will A Divorce Cost?
While the costs of a contested and uncontested divorce are different, they both have similar costs. A contested divorce is less complicated, but it is more expensive to have a trial. While attorney fees and court costs are generally the same, a contested divorce may incur additional expenses. A trial can resolve disputes about child support, property division, maintenance of property, pensions, or child support. These costs can lead to a greater divorce settlement.
A mediated divorce is the best option if your marriage is peaceful and you are not trying to hide anything. Mediation can be used to help couples reach a compromise agreement before filing 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.
Both contested and uncontested divorcing are costly, but uncontested divorces tend to be the least expensive. However, a contested marriage can cost over $10,000. These costs include attorney fees, court expenses, and miscellaneous expenses. An attorney can be costly, but it can help you protect your rights. One study found that 11% of respondents paid an attorney $100 or more per hour, while 20% paid $400 or more.
How Long Does A Divorce Take?
It is possible to be confused about the differences between uncontested and contested divorces if you are considering getting divorced. Although both are legal, the uncontested divorce is less costly. Uncontested divorces aren't 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 certain cases, you may be able obtain the divorce without the involvement of a lawyer.
An uncontested divorce is usually only six weeks long if your spouse and you agree on everything. Every divorce is different so the timeline can vary. Some divorces can be completed in less than six weeks. Others can take months to resolve. 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. The whole process can take months, if not years, if one of the parties refuses to compromise. 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.
For Contested and Uncontested Divorces, You May Need to Have a Lawyer
It depends on the laws of your state as to whether you need a lawyer for uncontested or contested divorce. Uncontested divorces in states that require a divorce lawyer are much easier to obtain. Uncontested divorces tend to be less costly and involve less stress. Common reasons to hire a lawyer when contested divorcing are child custody and property division.
When determining whether to hire a lawyer, you should first understand the laws regarding divorce. Most states require that a final hearing be held before a divorcing party can legally proceed. If both parties are happy with the settlement, the divorce proceedings can be finalized. 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. Both the parties can agree on the key terms of an uncontested divorcement, including child custody rights and support. Most often, this includes a settlement agreement and division of marital debts and assets. After the final divorce decree is approved, the judge will read the agreement and sign it. Uncontested divorces are relatively inexpensive. 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