Most of the time the first question that an individual will pose to a family law attorney is how much does a divorce cost in Arizona? The cost of divorce varies. Spouses often get into the process of divorce without realizing how the legal fee or expenses that they are going to incur until they have gone deep into the process of divorce. When they have made the decision to get divorced, couples hire lawyers to represent them, they serve one another divorce papers and the divorce trials begin.
The divorce process is one that is highly emotional and even spouses that are cordial can experience a mix of emotions between sadness, fear, and anger through the process of divorce. The mediation process can provide a couple the chance to have a low conflict divorce settlement agreement and as well avoid high psychological and financial implications for the family. Having a Glendale divorce lawyer help you
What is the Average Cost of a Divorce in Arizona?
In Arizona, the cost of divorce can range from $15,000 up to $100,000 when you hire a divorce attorney to represent you. The cost will also include hiring experts, bringing in witnesses, as well as other factors. A family divorce lawyer can charge an average divorce attorney fee of $250 to $550 per hour.
Hiring an experienced attorney to work on your case can cost you $400 to $750 per hour. If you choose to file the divorce all by yourself your average divorce cost is $577. However, you should keep in mind that filing your own divorce can be strenuous if you do not know what you should include in the agreement.
If you are looking to save money you can still get legal help using another alternative resolution process.
It is important to note that the above are not actual divorce costs as they are subject to change. If you are looking for legal service to help with your applications for divorce get in touch with an experienced divorce lawyer contact Monahan Law Firm to schedule your first initial consultation.
Contested Divorce
In Arizona, the most complex divorce cases are those that involve property division, those that involve disputes about minor children, and divorce cases that the other party has contested.
These kinds of divorce proceedings are considered the worst-case scenario for the case. The major issues that couples go to trial over are child custody issues, family business, and income streams.
A Glendale family lawyer often pursues these cases aggressively and most of the time has to use a lot of legal tact so the party that they are representing can get a favorable outcome. Since contested divorce costs are high, each party may have to part with $50,000 to $100,000 during the divorce proceedings.
If the couples can agree to part amicably and reach a fair agreement they will be able to significantly reduce their divorce costs.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce refers to a situation where during the dissolution of marriage the parties are not disputing the terms of the divorce. In this case, there is no need for litigation. If you and your spouse agree on the divorce issues in your marriage you will be can be able to settle your divorce with the help of a mediator or otherwise.
To get started with the divorce process in Arizona you would have to file a petition for dissolution of marriage and as well pay a filing fee that can cost you $349. When the other party agrees to eth terms of divorce they will need to pay a filing fee amounting to $247. Even as this is the case it is important for you to understand that either party can be able to qualify for a waiver or deferral of the court fees. This is possible if the financial conditions that support the request exist.
In the case where the couple has children and they would both like to be involved in the decision-making of their children, they may need to take a parental information program class. The classes are available online and will cost $50 fees per spouse.
Mediation
When you are in need of help reaching an agreement with your spouse on a low contentious divorce the both of you can jointly retain a mediator. Divorce mediation costs are low. A mediator can range between $250 per hour and the whole mediation process can last between 1 to 4 hours. The mediator can as well help you with the documents that you need to file in court.
How Much Does it Cost to File for Divorce in Arizona?
You already know that for you to get started with the process of divorce you will end to file a petition for the dissolution of a divorce at a fee mentioned above and the individual that is on the receiving end of the divorce petition will also incur a fee while filing a response. How much the whole divorce case will cost you will depend on issues such as how complex the case is and the duration the proceeding will last among other things.
It is important for you to have an understanding of the different fees that you are likely to incur when you are filing a divorce petition.
It is important to understand that every county in Arizona has its own schedule of court fees and they are subject to change from time to time. Below are major divorce papers that you are required to file and as well pay their corresponding court fees in Maricopa County;
- A petition for the dissolution of marriage. For the divorce process to begin this is the major document that needs to be filed. The form has two versions that are without children and with children. Even so, both have the same filing fee of $349.
- Response or answer to dissolution. The person that has been served with the divorce petition should file for a response with the same court.
Also, there may be other related documents that you will need to file for issues such as parenting time and child custody. As you file these documents you will as well be required to pay a fee. To find out more about the fees that you need to pay you can visit the Maricopa County filing chart.
Other than the above costs there are also other divorce expenses that you are likely to incur while filing for divorce. You may need to pay
- A service fee. A fee incurred in the process of legally notifying your spouse of the divorce petition.
- Expert fees. In case you need expert witnesses to give a statement that supports taxes and assets or if you need them to advise you on the same.
- Preparation of legal documents. If you choose to hire a certified legal preparer that is a CLDP you may need to pay them.
- You may as well be needed to pay for transportation, postage, as well other miscellaneous expenses.
If you need help filing a divorce petition you can get in touch with a divorce attorney from Monahan Law firm. We will help you gather the right documentation and make sure that you have everything in order to file your divorce form.
What Affects the Cost of a Divorce?
There are a lot of factors that can affect the cost of your divorce. Even if your friend or a family member has mentioned to you how much they have incurred from their personal experience you should know that your divorce cost will depend on factors surrounding your own case as well. Here are some of the additional costs;
- Attorney fees. Most divorce attorneys charge hourly rates depending on the number of hours they are working on your case.
- If you have a substantial property you are likely to incur a higher financial burden during the divorce process.
- Filing fees. The divorce court filing fees will as well affect your divorce fees.
- Contested divorce. Compared to uncontested divorce a contested divorce is more expensive.
When you come to us our experienced lawyer can evaluate your case and give you a breakdown of the fees that you are likely to incur.
Learn More: How Long Does a Divorce Take in Arizona?
Can You Reduce the Cost of a Divorce?
It is possible to reduce the cost of your divorce. You can do it by;
- Choosing your divorce process. You do not have to settle a divorce through divorce litigation. If you opt for a peaceful divorce option such as a collaborative divorce option or collaborative process and the divorce mediation process you may be able to reduce the cost of divorce. However, both couples have to want an amicable divorce
- Organize your financial records.
- Carry out a cost-benefit analysis.
Consulting with an attorney earlier on during your divorce process can help you to realize your legal position and reduce the cost of litigation. Consult with an experienced divorce lawyer from Monahan Law Firm today and let a legal professional help you settle your divorce agreement. Call our experienced divorce attorney today!
