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 it is worth hiring a lawyer for a contested rather than an uncontested divorcement. But is it really necessary to hire a lawyer in a contested versus an uncontested divorce? Here are the main pros and cons of both. To determine whether hiring a legal professional is appropriate for your case, read on. Also, don't forget the pros and cons. We'll also cover the differences in uncontested and contested divorces.
Divorce Cost
Although the costs of a divorce is more expensive than one that is uncontested, they are still affordable. An uncontested divorce is simpler to finalize, but it can cost more to file for a hearing. Attorney fees and court fees are usually the same for each, but a contested divorce can incur additional expenses. The costs of child support, maintenance of properties, pensions, and property distribution can all be litigated in court. This can affect a couple’s overall divorce settlement.
Mediated divorce is affordable if the couple is able to reach an amicable agreement and there is no attempt to conceal anything. Mediation can help a couple reach a settlement agreement before filing for a divorce. Some states require divorces to be mediated before filing. Judges can also require mediation in some cases. But mediation may not always be the best option in every case.
Uncontested divorces, while more expensive than contested ones, are usually the most affordable. A contested divorce costs more than $10,000 including attorney fees and court costs. While an attorney is not required to represent you, it can increase the cost of your divorce. One study found that 11% of respondents paid an attorney $100 or more per hour, while 20% paid $400 or more.
Time Required For A Divorce
You may be wondering what the difference is between a contested or uncontested divorce when you think about getting divorcéed. Both divorces are legal but the first is cheaper. Uncontested divorces might not be right 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. An attorney or mediator can be hired if your spouse and you are not able to reach an agreement on any key issues. In some cases, you may even be able to get the divorce without a lawyer.
Uncontested divorces usually last six weeks, if both you and your spouse are in agreement on everything. The timeframe for divorce can vary depending on the circumstances. Some divorces can be completed in less than six weeks. Others, however, require several months to resolve. If your spouse is slow to return paperwork, it could take much longer. In these cases, it may be necessary to hire a lawyer.
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. 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.
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 in states that require a divorce lawyer are much easier to obtain. 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.
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 separation can be made final. The divorce can be finalized if the parties reach an agreement on the settlement. In states that do not require a final hearing, a judge will sign the judgment. Some states require a waiting time before a divorce can proceed.
Uncontested divorces require the cooperation of both parties. Both parties must agree to the major terms of an uncontested divorcement, including child custody, support, and maintenance. Most often, this includes a settlement agreement and division of marital debts and assets. The judge will then review the agreement and approve final divorce decrees. The cost of the uncontested divorce is low. 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