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Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested or Uncontested Arizona Divorce?

May 16

What is the best way to get a lawyer to represent you in a contested or uncontested divorce?

Many people wonder if they will be able to save time and money by hiring a lawyer in a contested versus uncontested divorce. Is it 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.

Divorce Cost

Although the costs of a divorce is more expensive than one that is uncontested, they are still affordable. Although an uncontested divorce can be more straightforward, it is more expensive to file for a court hearing. The attorney fees and court fee are usually the same. However, a divorce that is contested can lead to additional costs. A trial can resolve disputes about child support, property division, maintenance of property, pensions, or child support. These costs can lead to a greater divorce settlement.

A mediated divorce is the best option if your marriage is peaceful and you are not trying to hide 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. 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. However, the costs of a contested divorce can exceed $10,000, including attorney fees, court costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. While an attorney is not required to represent you, it can increase the cost of your divorce. One study found 11% paid $100 or more per an hour to have an attorney represent them, while 20% paid $400.

How Long Does A Divorce Take?

There are two types of divorce: contested and uncontested. Although both are legal, the uncontested divorce is less costly. Uncontested divorces might not be right for everyone. Even if you and/or your spouse have made an agreement to file for divorce it does not mean that it will be easy. If you and your spouse disagree on any significant issues, you should hire the services of an attorney. In some cases, you may even be able to get the divorce without a lawyer.

A uncontested divorce can usually take six weeks if the spouse agrees on everything. Of course, every divorce is different, so the timeframe can vary considerably. Some divorces can be completed in less than six weeks. Some divorces can take several months to complete. It might take longer if your spouse takes too long to return paperwork. In both cases, a lawyer may be necessary.

Uncontested and contested divorces are distinguished by the length of the proceedings. The whole process can take months, if not years, if one of the parties refuses to compromise. A uncontested divorce is much easier because no one is disputing anything. This type can be more stressful for both spouses, as they will need to spend more time on the divorce.

For Contested and Uncontested Divorces, You May Need to Have a Lawyer

Your state's specific laws will dictate whether you need to hire a legal representative for contested vs uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces are more common in states that require the use of a lawyer for filing for divorce. Uncontested divorces tend to be less costly and involve less stress. The most common reasons to hire a lawyer for contested divorces are property division and child custody.

Before you decide whether to retain a lawyer for your divorce, make sure that you are familiar with the laws. Many states require a final hearing before a divorce can be final. The final hearing can only be held if both the parties and the judge agree to the settlement. A judge will sign judgments in states that don't require a final hearing. Some states require that there be a waiting period before a divorce is finalized.

The cooperation of both the parties is required for uncontested divorces. Uncontested divorces are when both the spouses agree on the main terms of the divorce. This includes child custody and support. Usually, this will involve a settlement agreement as well as the division and payment of marital property and debts. After the final divorce decree is approved, the judge will read the agreement and sign it. The uncontested divorce is relatively 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

https://goo.gl/maps/RcmBeQWHdtjUxwvc8