Uncontested divorce cases cost less money that their adversarial counterparts. There are however certain fees that you may not dodge settling. For instance, a filing fee will be required. Your state may also demand that you attend a parenting class that will only cost you a small amount of money. In case you find yourself in a situation where raising these fees is a challenge, you could make an application to have it waived off.
The lawyer you hire will demand payments. The attorney fees that you have to settle will depend on various aspects including the values and competences of the expert you hire. In return, you will get help with filing the required paperwork and you will also benefit from priceless legal advice. Most importantly, your attorney will represent you during negotiations.
Lawyers are different in not only their levels of proficiency, but also the rates they charge. Most experts will charge a flat rate when handling uncontested divorce, though others will charge by the hour. You simply need to find an expert who can offer great services without causing havoc in your wallet.
In most cases, there are additional services that are required. For example, couples with wealth need to work with real estate agents for their properties to be appraised and divided. It is also common for mediators and sometimes even therapists to be involved in the process. Each additional service that you get may attract an additional fee.
Knowing how things work when handling uncontested divorce is important. You want to understand the process, know what to expect and even get a rough idea of the amount of time that the case is likely to take from start to finish. To begin with, your state will give you 31 days to think about your decision and confirm that divorce is exactly what you want.
If you have made up your mind, then you could file your paperwork and start negotiations. Keep in mind that there will be a court hearing within 31 days where the judge will go through the agreements that are made. He or she is obligated by the law to ensure that the tabled agreements are fair and the rights of both couples are respected. In case all seems well, your petition to dissolve your marriage will be approved.
It pays to find a professional that you can trust with your case. Choosing peace over fights does not mean that you will benefit from agreements that suit your best interests. It is hence imperative to ascertain that the attorney you choose can defend you and ensure that the outcome of negotiations is favorable.
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