Cost is one of the most important factors that couples in Arizona and throughout the country consider when determining whether to file for divorce. Divorce can be expensive: up to $15,000 per person in the United States. There are a number of factors that will determine if the divorce is more or less expensive.
For example, if a divorce is mutually agreed on, there will be fewer unresolved factors. Things like maintenance of property, child care, child custody, assets and pensions, and financial support may have been discussed. The more issues that are resolved on both sides, the less expensive the divorce will be.
An uncontested divorce could cost as little as $500 if the divorcing spouses sit down and write their own divorce papers. Each state has its own fees for filing divorce, even if the divorce is uncontested. Some states will waive filing fees for individuals who have low incomes.
In most states, an uncontested divorce may be met with a mandatory waiting period. When that waiting period comes to an end, the divorce is final. An uncontested divorce is cheaper because the person does not pay for lawyers and mediators. Much of the leg work is done by the divorcing couple.
The reality is that few couples are able to identify their assets, divide their assets and agree on issues pertaining to child custody on their own. Most will need the assistance of a lawyer. The more time a lawyer needs to spend on a case and the more issues there are to unravel, the more expensive the divorce will be.
When a person is going through a divorce and they are concerned about child custody, financial issues, selling their home or other factors associated with divorce, a family law attorney may be of help to them. A family law attorney may assist their client through the divorce process and provide advice or represent their client in court.