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 wonder if they will be able to save time and money by hiring a lawyer in a contested versus uncontested divorce. But is it really necessary to hire a lawyer in a contested versus an uncontested divorce? These are the main benefits and drawbacks of each. Read on to decide whether hiring a lawyer is necessary in your particular situation. Also, don't forget the pros and cons. We will also talk about the differences between uncontested and contested divorces.
How Much Will A Divorce Cost?
While the costs of a contested and uncontested divorce are different, they both have similar costs. Although an uncontested divorce can be more straightforward, it is more expensive to file for a court hearing. Attorney fees and court fees are usually the same for each, but a contested divorce can 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 couples who are happy in their marriage and don't want to be accused of 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. But mediation may not always be the best option in every case.
While both contested and uncontested divorces are expensive, uncontested divorces are the cheapest. The costs of a contested divorcing can reach $10,000. This includes attorney fees, court costs and any other miscellaneous costs. 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?
You may be wondering what the difference is between a contested or uncontested divorce when you think about getting divorcéed. Although both are legal, uncontested divorces tend to be less expensive. Uncontested divorces may not be for everyone. Even if you and your spouse have agreed to file for a divorce, this doesn't mean that it's going to be a breeze. You will need an attorney or mediator if you and your spouse are unable to agree on important issues. In some cases, you may even be able to get the divorce without 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 are simple and take less than six months. Some divorces can take several months to complete. If your spouse is slow to return paperwork, it could take much longer. In either case, a lawyer may be necessary.
The biggest difference between uncontested and litigated divorces is how long it takes. If one party refuses negotiation, the whole process could take months or even years. A uncontested divorce is much easier because no one is disputing anything. This type is often more stressful, so both sides will have to spend more time and more money.
Am I Required to Hire a Lawyer for a Uncontested or Contested divorce?
The laws in your state will determine whether or not you need to hire a lawyer for contested v or uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces are less common in states that require lawyers to file for divorce. Uncontested divorces often involve less expense and stress, and can help to maintain the relationship between the couples. Most people hire a lawyer to help them with contested divorces.
Before you decide whether to retain a lawyer for your divorce, make sure that you are familiar with the laws. In many states, a final hearing must be held before a divorce is final. Once the parties have reached an agreement, the divorce 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.
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. Usually, this involves a settlement agreement and the division of marital assets and debts. The judge will then review the agreement and approve final divorce decrees. The cost for an uncontested divorce will be low. 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