Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
What is the best way to get a lawyer to represent you in a contested or uncontested divorce?
Many people wonder whether hiring a lawyer in a contested versus an uncontested divorce will save them time and money. But, do they really need to? Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of each. Find out if you need a lawyer for your situation. Also, don't forget the pros and cons. We'll also discuss the differences between contested and uncontested divorces.
Divorce Cost
Although the costs of a divorce is more expensive than one that is uncontested, they are still affordable. Uncontested divorces are easier to handle, but it's more costly to file for trial. While attorney fees and court costs are generally the same, a contested divorce may incur additional expenses. 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 a happy marriage where neither side is trying to hide anything. Mediation can help a couple reach a settlement agreement before filing for a divorce. Some states require that a divorce be mediated before it is filed. In certain cases, judges may require mediation. You should know that mediation might not be the best choice for all situations.
While both contested and uncontested divorces are expensive, uncontested divorces are the cheapest. A contested divorce costs more than $10,000 including attorney fees and court costs. An attorney can be costly, but it can help you protect your rights. A study showed that 11% paid $100 per hour for an attorney, and 20% paid $400.
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, however, are not for everyone. It doesn't necessarily mean that a divorce will be easy even if your spouse has agreed to file. You will need an attorney or mediator if you and your spouse are unable to agree on important issues. Sometimes, you might be able to obtain divorce without the need for a lawyer.
An uncontested divorce is usually only six weeks long if your spouse and you agree on everything. Of course, every divorce is different, so the timeframe can vary considerably. Some divorces are simple and take less than six months. 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 main difference between uncontested and contested divorces is their length. The whole process can take months, if not years, if one of the parties refuses to compromise. On the other hand, an uncontested divorce can go through relatively quickly, because no one is disputing anything. This type divorce usually involves more stress which leads to both parties spending more time and money.
Uncontested vs Contested Divorce: What are the Requirements?
Whether you should hire a lawyer for contested v and uncontested divorce depends on your state's specific laws. Uncontested divorces can be obtained in those states that require you to hire a lawyer to file your divorce papers. There is often less stress and expense associated with uncontested divorces, and they tend to preserve the relationship between the parties. For contested divorces, the most common reasons to hire an attorney are for property division and child custody.
It is essential that you understand the laws surrounding divorce before you make a decision about whether or not to hire a legal representative. Many states require a final hearing before a divorce can be final. If the parties agree to the settlement, then the divorce can be finalized. If there is no final hearing required, a judge can sign the judgment. Some states require that a waiting period be allowed before a divorce can take place.
Uncontested divorces are only possible with the cooperation of both spouses. Both parties must agree to the major terms of an uncontested divorcement, including child custody, support, and maintenance. This usually involves a settlement agreement, the division of marital assets, and debts. After the final divorce decree is approved, the judge will read the agreement and sign it. The cost of an uncontested divorce can be very 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