What is the best way to get a lawyer to represent you in a contested or uncontested divorce?
Do you really need a lawyer for a divorce in Arizona?
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. And don't forget to check out the other pros and cons of each as well. We'll also cover the differences in uncontested and contested divorces.
Cost of a Divorce
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. Attorney fees and court fees are usually the same for each, but a contested divorce can incur additional expenses. There are many issues that can be litigated during a trial. They include child support, maintenance, pensions and property division. The cost of these items can also increase the couple's final divorce settlement.
Mediated divorce is affordable if the couple is able to reach an amicable agreement and there is no attempt to conceal anything. Mediating can help you and your spouse reach a mutually beneficial settlement agreement before you file for divorce. Some states require that divorces be mediate before filing, and judges can require mediation in specific cases. But mediation may not always be the best option in every case.
Although both uncontested and contested divorces cost more, uncontested divorces will be less 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% spent $100 or more an hour on an attorney and 20% paid $400.
How Long Does A Divorce Take to Settle?
When you're thinking about getting divorced, you're probably wondering about the differences between a contested and an uncontested divorce. While both divorces are legal, the former is much less expensive. Uncontested divorces aren't for everyone. It doesn't necessarily mean that a divorce will be easy even if your spouse has agreed to file. If you and your spouse cannot agree on any important issues, you'll need to engage the services of an attorney or a mediator. Sometimes, you might be able to obtain divorce without the need for a lawyer.
Uncontested divorces usually last six weeks, if both you and your spouse are in agreement on everything. Of course, every divorce is different, so the timeframe can vary considerably. Some divorces can be completed in less than six weeks. Others, however, require several months to resolve. It can take even longer if your spouse has been slow in returning paperwork. In either case, a lawyer may be necessary.
The most obvious difference between contested and uncontested divorces is the length of the process. 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.
What Is The Requirement to Hire a Lawyer for Contested vs Uncontested Divorce?
Whether you should hire a lawyer for contested v and uncontested divorce depends on your state's specific laws. Uncontested divorces are less common in states that require lawyers to file for divorce. Uncontested divorces are less stressful and more affordable, and tend to preserve the relationships between the spouses. For contested divorces, the most common reasons to hire an attorney are for property division and child custody.
Before you decide whether you want to hire a lawyer, it is important that your understanding of the laws regarding divorce be clear. In many states, a final hearing must be held before a divorce is final. If the parties agree to the settlement, then the divorce can be finalized. In states that do not require a final hearing, a judge will sign the judgment. Some states require that a waiting period be allowed before a divorce can take place.
An uncontested divorce requires cooperation from both sides. An uncontested divorce is when both spouses reach an agreement on the terms of the divorce. 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 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