What is the best way to get a lawyer to represent you in a contested or uncontested divorce?
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Contested Vs Uncontested Arizona Divorce?
People often wonder if hiring a lawyer for a contested divorce is better than hiring one for an uncontested. But, is it really necessary? Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of each. To determine whether hiring a legal professional is appropriate for your case, read on. Check out the pros and con of each. 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. While an uncontested divorce is easier to get through, it costs more to file for a trial. Although attorney fees and court fees are typically the same for both parties, a contested separation can result in additional costs. Child support, maintenance of property, pensions, and property division can be contested in a trial, and the costs of these can increase a couple's total divorce settlement.
Mediated divorce is best for couples who are happy in their marriage and don't want to be accused of anything. Mediation can be used to help couples reach a compromise agreement 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. Mediation may not be the best solution for every case.
Uncontested divorces, while more expensive than contested ones, are usually the most affordable. However, a contested separation can cost more than $10,000. That includes attorney fees, court costs, as well as other expenses. Although an attorney may be able to protect your rights, hiring an attorney can add considerable costs to your divorce proceedings. One study found that 11% spent $100 or more an hour on an attorney and 20% paid $400.
Will A Divorce Take A Long Time To Settle?
If you are thinking of getting divorced, it is likely that you are wondering what the differences are between a uncontested and contested divorce. Although both are legal, the uncontested divorce is less costly. However, uncontested divorces are not 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 disagree on any significant issues, you should hire the services of an attorney. In some cases, you might even be able get divorce without the assistance of a lawyer.
An uncontested divorce is usually only six weeks long if your spouse and you agree on everything. However, each divorce is different and the timeframes can vary. Some divorces are quick and simple, taking less than six weeks. Others, however, require several months to resolve. It may take longer if your spouse is slow in returning 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. Uncontested divorces can be completed quickly because there is no dispute. This type is often more stressful, so both sides will have to spend more time and more money.
For Contested and Uncontested Divorces, You May Need to Have a Lawyer
It depends on the laws of your state as to whether you need a lawyer for uncontested or contested divorce. 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. 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. 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. If there is no final hearing required, a judge can sign the judgment. Some states require that there be a waiting period before a divorce is finalized.
Uncontested divorces require the cooperation of both parties. Uncontested divorces are when both the spouses agree on the main terms of the divorce. This includes child custody and support. Most often, this includes a settlement agreement and division of marital debts and assets. The final divorce decree will be approved by the judge after the agreement is reviewed and approved by the judge. The cost of an uncontested divorce can be very affordable. A lawyer can cost as low as $200 in many states.
For more information on Arizona Divorce Law, or help with a pending divorce case, visit one of the sites below