If you are considering filing for divorce in Arizona, you need to understand the legal rules that govern the process. With a qualified Phoenix divorce lawyer, you can work out a settlement that will be mutually acceptable to both parties.
Divorce is a complex process, especially when you have assets or a child custody dispute to consider. A seasoned Phoenix divorce attorney will help you navigate the process, making it less stressful for you.
The first step in filing for divorce is to serve your spouse with a petition. This petition will outline your requests. If your spouse does not agree with the terms of the petition, you can file for a default. You can also opt for mediation, which is a less expensive and more predictable alternative.
In some cases, the court will grant alimony, or spousal maintenance, on behalf of one spouse. Alimony is typically awarded in cases in which there is an unequal earning power. However, the judge will take several factors into account before deciding on the amount to award.
When a marriage ends, the assets and debts of the couple are divided. These assets and debts are categorized as community property or separate property. Community property is considered to be all of the assets and debts that were accrued during the marriage. It may include real estate, pensions, or other personal property. Separate property, on the other hand, includes everything that the couple had before the marriage.
Before a divorce is filed, both spouses are required to reside in Arizona for at least 90 days. They must also disclose all of their assets and debts, including property interests such as retirement plans. Some assets are held in sole ownership, and in this case, a divorce may be difficult to get.
If you are in the middle of a divorce, you should contact Dodge & Vega PLC in Arizona as soon as possible. Ideally, you and your spouse have already agreed on the terms of your divorce, but this is not always the case. Your attorney can discuss mediation as an alternative before the divorce trial.
Many divorcing couples make mistakes during the divorce process, which can be costly and time consuming. One of the biggest mistakes that many people make is procrastinating. Rather than rushing to a divorce, it is better to wait a little longer until you can find a lawyer to represent you. Even with the best intentions, it can be hard to deal with a divorce without professional guidance.
There are three ways that a divorce can proceed in Arizona. Those are by way of mediation, the court of law, or an uncontested divorce. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but you should know what your options are before you decide on the route to take.
The cost of a divorce depends on the type of divorce that you are seeking. An uncontested divorce is much faster and less expensive than a contested divorce. However, the more assets and debts that are involved in the divorce, the more complicated the process will become. Generally, the marital estate will be divided 50/50.