If you are preparing to go through a divorce in Arizona, it will be important for you to be aware of the costs involved. It will also be important for you to be aware of the costs you don’t have to pay.
While getting divorced can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. There are several options for keeping costs down during the divorce process while still addressing all of the issues involved and making informed decisions with your long-term best interests in mind.
Potential Costs Involved in Going Through a Divorce in Arizona
When going through a divorce, the costs involved depend on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, however, two of the most important factors are: (i) the complexity of your divorce; and, (ii) whether you and your spouse are willing to work together to come to terms. Complex divorces tend to be more expensive simply because there are more issues involved, while contentious divorces are more expensive because they involve going to court.
With this in mind, some of the potential costs involved in going through a divorce in Arizona include:
- Divorce Filing Fee – You will need to pay a filing fee to initiate the divorce process. Filing fees vary by county. If you can’t afford to pay your county’s filing fee, you may be eligible to apply for a waiver. Our attorneys can provide additional information during your free consultation if you’d like to know more.
- Other Legal Expenses – Depending on the circumstances of your divorce, you may need to pay for various other expenses as well. These can include additional court costs and the cost of hiring a process server, among others.
- Legal Fees – Regardless of the complexity of your divorce, there are several important reasons to work closely with an experienced divorce attorney throughout the process. All divorce attorneys set their own rates, and some charge significantly more than others.
- Other Professional Fees – From private investigators to accountants and other experts, divorcing spouses may need to engage various other professionals as well. These professionals also set their own rates, and whether you need to hire any of these professionals will depend on the circumstances of your divorce.
- Recording and Other Fees – If you need to re-record the deed for your house, transfer the title to a vehicle, or take any other steps that require government paperwork, you may have to pay other fees as well. These fees are usually fairly minimal in comparison to the other costs listed above.
While these are all potential costs, the specific costs you will need to incur when going through a divorce in Arizona depend on your individual circumstances. The amount of these costs can vary widely as well. For example, if you and your spouse are going through a straightforward agreed divorce, your legal fees should be fairly minimal. On the other hand, if you need to take your divorce to court, this will require more time, and your legal bills will increase accordingly.
Tips for Minimizing the Cost of Your Divorce
If you—like most spouses—have concerns about the cost of getting divorced, there are steps you can take to minimize the costs involved. Here are some tips for ensuring that your divorce is as efficient and low-cost as possible:
1. Do the Legwork Before and During the Process
From identifying your marital and separate assets to gathering the documents you will need, doing the legwork yourself can help streamline the process—and thereby reduce the costs involved. If you really want to make sure you’re ready, you can use our 25-Step Checklist.
2. Consider Flat-Fee Mediation
Flat-fee mediation is a cost-effective option for many divorcing couples. If you and your spouse are willing to work together but you are struggling to come to terms on some key issues, flat-fee mediation could be a good option for you.
3. Ensure that You Are Making Informed Decisions
In far too many cases, divorces become contentious when spouses stop making informed and rational decisions. To help keep your costs down, you can ensure that you are making informed decisions throughout the process.
FAQs: Understanding the Costs of a Divorce in Arizona
Do I need to hire a lawyer to file for divorce in Arizona?
While you aren’t required to hire a lawyer to file for divorce in Arizona, there are several important ways an experienced divorce lawyer will be able to help you. Ultimately, working with a lawyer to ensure that you are making informed decisions can save you money in the long run.
Do I need to hire a lawyer if my spouse filed for divorce?
Here too, hiring a lawyer isn’t required, but it is strongly recommended. If your spouse has filed for divorce, an experienced divorce lawyer can help you respond appropriately, protect your legal rights, and navigate the divorce process as efficiently as possible.
Do my spouse and I each need our own divorce attorney?
While it’s often best for each spouse to have their own divorce attorney, working with a single attorney who serves as a neutral mediator will make sense in some cases. If your divorce is fairly straightforward and you want to minimize the costs involved, mediation could be a cost-effective solution.
What is the filing fee for a divorce in Maricopa County?
In Maricopa County, the divorce filing fee is currently $376.00. However, this can change, and you may need to pay other fees as well. When you speak with an experienced local divorce attorney, your attorney should be able to explain the fees you will need to pay.
Learn More from an Experienced Phoenix Divorce Attorney for Free
Would you like to know more about how much you can expect to pay for your divorce? If so, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Phoenix divorce attorney at Weingart Family Law, please call 480-550-8946 or tell us how we can reach you online today.