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? Here are the main pros and cons of both. Find out if you need a lawyer for your situation. Also, don't forget the pros and cons. We'll also cover the differences in uncontested and contested divorces.
Cost of a Divorce
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. The fees for attorney and court are the same. However, contested divorces can be more costly. You can have a trial to dispute child support, maintenance and pensions or property division. These can add to the total divorce settlement.
Mediated divorce is best for couples who are happy in their marriage and don't want to be accused of anything. A couple can reach a settlement agreement through mediation before filing for divorce. Some states require that the divorce proceedings be mediated before they can be filed. Judges may also require mediation in certain cases. However, you should be aware that mediation may not be the best option for every situation.
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. Although an attorney may be able to protect your rights, hiring an attorney can add considerable costs to your 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?
You may be wondering what the difference is between a contested or uncontested divorce when you think about getting divorcéed. Although both are legal, the uncontested divorce is less costly. Uncontested divorces aren't 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. Sometimes, you might be able to obtain divorce without the need for a lawyer.
A uncontested divorce can usually take six weeks if the spouse agrees on everything. Each divorce is unique, so time frames can vary greatly. Some divorces are simple and take less than six months. Others may take many months to resolve. It might take longer if your spouse takes too long to return paperwork. In both cases, a lawyer may be necessary.
The length of the divorce process is the most noticeable difference between contested and unsuspected. When one party refuses to negotiate, the entire process can take months or even years. Uncontested divorces can be completed quickly because there is no dispute. 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 in states that require a divorce lawyer are much easier to obtain. 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 you want to hire a lawyer, it is important that your understanding of the laws regarding divorce be clear. Many states require a final hearing before a divorce can be final. If both parties are happy with the settlement, the divorce proceedings can be finalized. A judge will sign judgments in states that don't require a final hearing. Some states require that a waiting period be allowed before a divorce can take place.
Uncontested divorces require the cooperation of both parties. In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on the major terms of the divorce, including child custody and support. Usually, this will involve a settlement agreement as well as the division and payment of marital property and debts. The final divorce decree will be approved by the judge after the agreement is reviewed and approved by the judge. The cost of an uncontested divorce can be very affordable. In many states, a lawyer could cost as low as two hundred dollars.
For more information on Arizona Divorce Law, or help with a pending divorce case, visit one of the sites below