Uncontested vs Contested Divorce in Arizona: Understanding the Differences and Timeframes

The Benefits of Choosing an Uncontested Divorce in Arizona

uncontested divorce in arizona vs contested divorce

Divorce is one of the most stressful and complicated life events that anyone can go through. When it comes to divorce in Arizona, there are two types of legal disputes: contested and uncontested. Although both contested and uncontested divorces serve the same purpose, they differ considerably in terms of time, cost, and the level of complexity. If you are wondering which option is the best for your situation, it is essential to understand the benefits of choosing an uncontested divorce in Arizona.

What is an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce is a type of divorce that occurs when both spouses are willing to work together to agree on all the terms and conditions of their divorce, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. Since there is no need to go to court to resolve the dispute, uncontested divorces allow couples to avoid the time-consuming and expensive litigation process.

1. Quicker Process

One of the most significant benefits of choosing an uncontested divorce in Arizona is the quicker process. A contested divorce in Arizona can take anywhere from several months to over a year. The average duration is around 12 to 18 months, but this timeframe can extend if the case is particularly complex or if there are significant delays in court proceedings or negotiations. With an uncontested divorce, the process can be much quicker since the spouses have already agreed on the terms of their separation. This means the court can finalize the divorce much faster, allowing both parties to move on with their lives.

2. Cost-Effective

Another benefit of choosing an uncontested divorce is the cost-effectiveness. Contested divorces can be incredibly expensive, especially if the case takes a long time to resolve. With an uncontested divorce, you will not have to spend money on court fees, attorney fees, and other litigation costs. Instead, you can work with an experienced attorney to help you draft a separation agreement and file the necessary paperwork with the court.

3. Less Stressful

Divorces are inherently stressful life events, but they can be much less stressful if you choose an uncontested divorce. When you choose an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse are agreeing to work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement without the need for litigation. This means you will not have to go to court, which can be an incredibly stressful experience, especially for those who are not comfortable in a courtroom setting.

4. More Control Over the Outcome

Another significant benefit of choosing an uncontested divorce is that you and your spouse will have more control over the outcome. In a contested divorce, the judge makes the final decision, which means that you and your spouse will have little say over the outcome of your case. By choosing an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse can work together to create a separation agreement that meets your unique needs and circumstances.

5. Better for Children

When children are involved in a divorce, it can be a challenging and emotional experience. Choosing an uncontested divorce can be better for children since it can be less stressful and time-consuming. When parents are willing to work together to reach a resolution that benefits everyone, the children can feel more secure and stable. Additionally, an uncontested divorce can allow parents to create a parenting plan that works for everyone involved, rather than having a judge make the decision for them.

6. Confidentiality

Contested divorces are typically open to the public, which means that anyone can attend the hearings and view the court records. This lack of privacy can be uncomfortable for some individuals who may not want their personal matters to become public knowledge. By choosing an uncontested divorce, you can keep your private matters out of the public eye since there is no need to go to court.

7. Preservation of Relationships

Divorce can take a significant toll on relationships, even after the proceedings are over. If you choose an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse will have the opportunity to work together to resolve your differences in a collaborative manner. This can help preserve the relationship you want to have, particularly if you will be co-parenting together. By minimizing hostility and increasing cooperation, an uncontested divorce can help you build a better foundation for future interactions.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to choosing an uncontested divorce in Arizona. From saving time and money to preserving relationships and reducing stress, an uncontested divorce can be a more favorable option for many couples. If you are interested in learning more about uncontested divorces or would like to discuss your options with a skilled attorney, please contact De Novo Law Firm today.

Uncontested, Contested - De Novo Law Firm

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