Arizona Uncontested Divorce Attorney
Helping Clients Understand the Types of Divorce and Issues Involved
There are many steps that must be completed in a divorce. The first step is determining which type of divorce you will be seeking: uncontested or contested. If you and your spouse can agree on all of the post-divorce arrangements, and agree to the divorce, then a uncontested divorce is for you. This process has fewer steps than a contested divorce. If you and your spouse are unable to reach agreement about all of the divorce issues, then a contested divorce will be the way to go. This is a longer process and often has numerous steps that must be completed before a judge can make his determinations.
At the law office of Bruce D. Brown PLLC, we are a family law firm committed to helping clients thoroughly understand the divorce process. We have over 30 years of combined experience handling divorces and the related issues. For more information, please contact our office today and schedule an initial consultation.
Uncontested Divorce
After the mandatory 60-day delay period, a uncontested divorce will typically take about three to four months. Our involvement isn't as extensive as it is in a contested divorce, since in a uncontested divorce the couple is not arguing over issues. We are able to draft initial documents with our client and supply them to the non-client spouse for review. Then, after minor revisions are completed or a full agreement is reached, after 20 days we can apply for default. After the 60 days statutory "cooling off" period has passed the court allows setting a default hearing date. Usually only the petitioner needs to go and the court will most likely grant the agreement.
Contested Divorce
The arguing and fighting over issues in a contested divorce can last for a very long time. Depending on the spouses and the judge, the divorce can take anywhere from eight to 15 months, after the initial 60-day delay period and after the parties have locked horns. The initial period is called discovery. This is the process through which documents are exchanged; hopefully willingly, but through a subpoena if necessary. After documents are submitted and the court can review and hear arguments, the judge may make his decisions on the divorce and the related issues, such as child support, child custody, property division and alimony (spousal support).
It is important to note that at any stage of a contested divorce, the parties can always go back to a peaceful resolution and get divorced, as long as the 60-day delay period has passed.
If you have questions about the type of divorce that is best for you or the steps involved in that type of divorce, contact us by e-mail or by telephone at 602-639-4574. We take the time to get to know our clients and their situations in order to provide the most personalized and effective guidance possible.
