how much is a divorce lawyer in arizona

by Carter Will Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago 8 min read

The survey says that an Arizona divorce lawyer on average charges $250 per hour. This, combined with the rates of paralegals and other law firm services, will total $10,300 in a typical Arizona divorce. Some attorneys charge more or less than this average.

Divorce lawyers in Arizona cost between $250 to $550 per hour on average. However, if you hire an experienced divorce lawyer in AZ, average lawyer fees can be much as $400 to $750 per hour.Feb 20, 2020

Full Answer

Should I hire a divorce lawyer in Arizona?

Nov 01, 2019 · The survey says that an Arizona divorce lawyer on average charges $250 per hour. This, combined with the rates of paralegals and other law firm services, will total $10,300 in a typical Arizona divorce. Some attorneys charge more or less than this average.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Arizona?

Nov 13, 2019 · Hiring a divorce lawyer in Arizona can cost as much as $550 per hour. The cost to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Maricopa County is $349. The responding party will be required to pay $279 when filing their Response, or if both parties have agreed to a Consent Decree, the $279 is still due and owing from the responding party when tendering a consent …

How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

The average cost of divorce in Arizona is $20,000. However, this is just the average. They could cost as little as $5,000, or as much as $100,000 or more in cases that are contested and that have a lot of assets. In cases where attorneys are used and expert witnesses are brought in, the costs could be between $15,000 and $100,000 per spouse.

How can the Arizona legal center help you get a divorce?

Jun 13, 2018 · What is the cost of a divorce in Arizona? In Maricopa County, the base fee for filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without children) is …

Who pays divorce attorney fees in Arizona?

The Arizona divorce laws permit the Court to order one spouse to pay some or all of the other spouse's attorney fees and costs. Although there are many different statutes that provide the court with this authority, the most cited statute is A.R.S. 24-324.

Do I need a divorce lawyer in Arizona?

In Arizona, a large percentage of divorces proceed without either party hiring a lawyer. As Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, couples do not need a specific reason to file for divorce – it is sufficient that the parties do not get along – otherwise known as irretrievable differences.

How long does a divorce take in AZ?

It may help you to have a realistic idea of the timeline ahead. In some circumstances, it is possible to get a divorce in Arizona in as few as 60 days. However, in most cases, a divorce will take anywhere from two to four months to finalize. Of course, in some situations, the situation may take even longer.

What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in Arizona?

The least expensive way to get a divorce in Arizona is by using online forms and instructions available from the court's self-service center. Although this option may limit your out-of-pocket cost to the filing fees and other incidental expenses, such a limited service isn't for everyone.Jan 15, 2020

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Arizona?

Under Arizona's community property laws, all assets and debts a couple acquires during marriage belong equally to both spouses. Unlike some community property states, Arizona does not require the division of marital property in divorce to be exactly equal, but it must be fair and will usually be approximately equal.

Is Arizona a 50 50 state in a divorce?

Each former spouse begins life after divorce with all his or her separate property and half what they once owned together. Arizona is a 50/50 property law state when it comes to divorce. Community property division must be equitable, but seldom will shares be absolutely equal.

Does Arizona require separation before divorce?

Does Arizona require separation before divorce? No, Arizona does not require spouses to separate before filing for divorce (dissolution of marriage). However, there is a waiting period of at least 60 days before the divorce can be finalized after filing and serving your spouse.

Who gets the house in a divorce in Arizona?

Arizona is a community property state

In most cases, an Arizona court will divide the house equally, which may require selling the home and splitting the net profits. However, there may be circumstances in which selling the home is undesirable, either for economic reasons or due to one spouse's needs or preferences.

Is dating during separation adultery?

One of the fault-based grounds, also commonly known as reasons, for divorce is adultery. Therefore, the court may consider dating while in the middle of divorce proceedings as “adultery” even if the couple has been separated and living apart.Feb 12, 2021

How can I get a quick divorce in Arizona?

If you and your spouse do not agree on all of the issues in your divorce, the only practical way to get a quick divorce in Arizona is to hire a mediator or arbitrator to get you divorced fast.

Can divorce be denied?

Thus, the courts can deny you a divorce if the judge is convinced you haven't sorted all your kid's custody issues. Not proving at-fault divorce – If you stated fault-based grounds for divorce, such as adultery, and you failed to sufficiently support these claims with evidence, the court can deny your divorce.Mar 21, 2021

Can you get a divorce without going to court?

Divorce Mediation is a highly flexible process that can help you get a divorce outside of the courtroom. A mediated divorce is almost always the least expensive divorce option because you can avoid the expense of paying multiple attorneys throughout the divorce process.Nov 2, 2017

Cost Of A Divorce Attorney In AZ

Other Expenses In An Arizona Divorce

Attorneys’ fees make up most divorce expenses, but you have to be ready for other costs that will accumulate throughout the case:

When Will Your AZ Divorce Be More Expensive?

The more complicated the divorce, the longer it will take and the more costly it will become. Lawyers’ hourly rates stack up, more court fees may be required, and more consultants may be needed. These particular family issues may significantly increase your divorce expenses, according to the Lawyers.com survey:

How Much Does A Divorce Cost In Arizona? & Attorney Fees

On average, an Arizona divorce costs about $20,000. The average cost of divorce in Arizona without a Lawyer is $577. The average cost of divorce in Arizona with a Lawyer is $20,000. However, the average cost of divorce in Arizona can range from $15,000 to $100,000 per side when including expert witness fees.

How Much Does A Divorce Lawyer Cost In Arizona?

Most of the expenses will come from the attorneys. Consider, for example, the average cost of a divorce lawyer in Scottsdale. Family lawyers in the Scottsdale area charge between $250 and $550 per hour on average. If you hire an immensely experienced lawyer in Arizona, the cost can be as much as $400 to $750 per hour.

How Much Does An Uncontested Divorce Cost in Arizona?

Divorces do not have to go to trial if certain conditions are met. If the divorcing spouses agree on the material terms of the separation, or if one spouse does not participate in contesting the divorce, then the case does not have to go to trial. As a result, the costs will be considerably less.

How Much Does Collaborative Divorce Cost in Arizona?

On average collaborative divorce in Arizona costs about $7,500. Arizona collaborative divorce costs ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 according to Equitable Mediation. However, Canterbury Law Group has navigated many collaborations for less than $10,000 in legal fees per spouse.

How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Arizona?

Divorce mediation costs about $7,500 . Divorce mediation costs in Arizona ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 in 2019.

What is the Average Cost of Divorce in Arizona?

The average cost of divorce in Arizona is $20,000. Arizona divorce costs ranged from $15,000 to $100,000 per side when including expert witness fees in 2019. The cost of hiring a divorce lawyer in Arizona can cost as much as $550 per hour.

How Much Does a Legal Separation Cost in Arizona?

The complete cost of legal separation can vary enormously, from as little as $1,000 to in excess of $100,000 when matters such as alimony, child custody and having to work through the disposition of a very complex marital estate are to be decided.

How much does it cost to get divorced in Arizona?

What is the cost of a divorce in Arizona? In Maricopa County, the base fee for filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without children) is $349. Pima County’s fee is $83 less at $266. Other Arizona counties have different filing fees.

What are the costs of divorce?

Other common divorce-related costs that you might not consider include: 1 Varying fees for third-party experts and professionals to help with your court case 2 Third-party mediation fees 3 For parents with children, a Parent Information Program Class with a third-party at a cost of $50.00 per parent 4 Updating a passport that is over one year old costs $110, the same as if you were renewing your passport 5 Driver’s license name change costs $12

What are the legal issues in divorce?

A divorce can be complicated. In many divorces—especially those involving children—you will need to bring in attorneys or other legal specialists to help with your case. They can help you resolve issues related to: 1 Parenting time and legal decision-making 2 Child support 3 Spousal maintenance 4 Division of property 5 Division of debt

How to calculate divorce costs?

For those who hire a lawyer, the bulk of their divorce costs will be in attorney fees. If your situation is complicated and contentious, the expense will be worth it. An attorney can: 1 Prepare your case for mediation or court 2 Communicate directly with an argumentative spouse or their attorney for you 3 File and answer petitions and motions, as well as propound and respond to discovery 4 Assist you in calculating child support and division of assets 5 Help you formulate an equitable parenting plan

What is the importance of a divorce lawyer?

What can an attorney do for divorce?

An attorney can protect your assets, calculate child support, and negotiate for equitable parenting time and legal decision-making. For those who hire a lawyer, the bulk of their divorce costs will be in attorney fees. If your situation is complicated and contentious, the expense will be worth it. An attorney can:

What do you need to do when you are divorced?

In many divorces—especially those involving children—you will need to bring in attorneys or other legal specialists to help with your case. They can help you resolve issues related to: Parenting time and legal decision-making. Child support.

How much does an attorney charge per hour?

The average hourly attorney fee is between $300 – $400 per hour. Once the retainer has been exhausted, the client will be required to replenish the retainer back to its original amount and the attorney will again bill against the retainer for time spent on the case until the money runs out.

Can a divorce lawyer go to court?

If a couple chooses to use divorce lawyers to complete their divorce, they are choosing to go to court. Having chosen the “court process”, they will be advised to cease direct communication. The divorce attorneys will then communicate on behalf of their clients. Proponents of mediation believe this, in and of itself, accounts for substantial misunderstanding that leads to increased conflict, and thus, increased fees.

How much is a retainer?

A retainer is a large-upfront payment to guarantee that they will have at least this minimum payment from their clients. They are usually $5,000 to $15,000 per spouse, as each spouse requires representation. Attorneys then bill by the hour against the retainer. As they work, billing hourly, the amount dwindles down.

Do attorneys bill hourly?

Attorneys, and mediators, who bill hourly are likely to bill for any-and-all time spent on your case. This includes any time spent with you, but the vast majority of your fees will be incurred behind the scenes: When your attorney writes you an email, the fee clock is running.

Is mediation less expensive than litigation?

Mediation: 80% – 90% less expensive than litigation. In divorce mediation, your mediator will either charge by the hour like an attorney, or charge a flat fee for the entire process. Either approach is overwhelmingly likely to result in spouses paying less for their divorce as compared to the cost of litigation in court.

What should the fee structure be?

Fee structures should be “motivation-neutral”, from the mediator’s perspective, and must support a process where efficient and amicable resolution is encouraged. Legal fees should also be as predictable as possible to avoid undue financial hardship. Predictions or guesstimates, often wind up being inaccurate.

Do flat fees include phone calls?

Flat fees that do not include emails, phone calls and research, or flat fees that only include parts of the process are a red flag. Be sure to ask about how hourly rates apply in addition to other lees. Divorce professionals should prove simple, straightforward, and honest answers to your billing questions.

How much does a divorce cost in Arizona?

An Arizona divorce case that settled quickly will typically cost $2,500.00 to $3,000.00. These estimates include the following divorce expenses: 1 Cost of paying an attorney to draft the initial Petition for Dissolution of Marriage; 2 Divorce court filing fees; 3 Process server fees; 4 Cost of paying an attorney to draft your Marital Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree;

What happens if my divorce case does not settle?

If your case does not settle, your costs will vary depending upon how complicated your case may be. The more issues you and your spouse agree upon, the faster and more affordable the divorce will be.

What happens when your net worth is below your net worth?

When income and net worth are slightly below this level, couples will generally pay less for a divorce. A significant amount of legal work may still be required to discover and divide assets. In addition, the couple can agree on issues such as custody of children and payment of support.

How much does a divorce mediator cost in Arizona?

According to Thumbtack and other sources, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 per hour to hire a private mediator for divorce mediation services in Arizona. This expense is often paid from joint funds or shared in whatever other manner the divorcing couple agrees.

How much does a divorce cost?

On average, you can expect a straightforward divorce with court proceedings to average around $5,000 to $10,000. If you have a higher net worth or property that is to be divided it will cost more.

Can you opt out of collaborative divorce in Arizona?

As you begin the divorce process, you’ve likely come across collaborative divorce options. This is a relatively new law in Arizona that allows couples to “opt out” of divorce court. In most cases, a collaborative divorce can offer a wide variety of benefits for spouses who wish to separate.

Is divorce the same for everyone?

You aren’t alone! Unfortunately, the answer isn’t the same for everyone. There are a number of factors that affect your cost of divorce, including children, net worth, disputing spouse, and property divisions. It’s important to have an experienced attorney to help you navigate this complex and difficult process.

What are the factors that affect the cost of divorce?

There are a number of factors that affect your cost of divorce, including children, net worth, disputing spouse, and property divisions. It’s important to have an experienced attorney to help you navigate this complex and difficult process.

How does divorce affect the family?

There may be long-term damage to your family members from the divorce. You may not know how much the cost of that damage will be until much later. You may experience a loss of important relationships after your divorce.

What happens to children after divorce?

You may experience a loss of important relationships after your divorce. Children can also experience a sense of instability. As the home dynamics change, schedules & routines change, and even in which school they attend changes, kids can become very emotional.

How much does a divorce attorney cost?

The total cost of a divorce is about $15,000, but can go as high as $100,000 depending on how many issues you want a judgment on ...

How much does it cost to file for divorce?

The cost will vary from state to state, but typically it’s about $300 , which can sting, considering the circumstances.

Is divorce pleasant?

No one would ever describe the divorce process as being pleasant; neither would any spouses say on their wedding day they were planning on divorcing down the road. But divorce happens—for at least 50 percent of all first, second, and third marriages.

Is divorce time consuming?

Divorces can be time-consuming and messy, and the issues in each divorce are different from one couple to the next. Because the outcome of every divorce is determined by the defendants, the attorneys, and what is at stake, it’s nearly impossible to find a standard overall cost.

What is a free consultation for divorce?

Most firms offer a free consultation, and it can be very helpful in finding the attorney that's a good fit for the particular details that need to be resolved in your divorce. A good consultation will cover. guidelines on how to conduct yourself for the duration of the case.

Does a divorce lawyer offer a free consultation?

How long is a mediation session?

While most mediation sessions are charged hourly, some mediators prefer to charge per session. On average, a typical mediation session will last about two hours. Of course, this timeframe will depend on the topics of discussion and whether or not any conflict is involved. The hourly rate for private meditation ranges, ...