Potential Timeframe For Resolution Of A Divorce Case In Arizona

A divorce case in Arizona cannot take less than sixty days from the date the other party is served with the divorce petition. There is a state statute that requires this relatively brief cooling off period. After that period passes, a judge can legally divorce the couple if they have reached a full agreement on all issues. However, if they require a trial on one or more issues, the case will most likely take at least six months. It can take much longer than that if it is a very contentious case with lots of issues in dispute. An important thing to note is that the “community property” aspect of Arizona law no longer applies the moment the other spouse is served with the divorce petition.

This is important for a variety of reasons, such as protecting yourself from liability to third parties if the other spouse injures someone; not being responsible for debts incurred by that spouse after she has been served; preventing that spouse from accumulating a half interest in all retirement contributions made after the date the divorce petition was served; enabling you to invest your post service funds without worrying that your spouse will enjoy any increase in those invested funds; and a variety of other reasons. You should not be overly focused on getting an attorney who charges low fees. There is an old saying that you get what you pay for.

This can be true in family court cases, as well. You also should assume that the most expensive attorney is not always the best attorney. You could be throwing money out the window if you believe that paying more is always going to get you a better result. What matters is the experience and effectiveness of the attorney you would like to hire. Even though it may not be cheap to have an attorney represent you, you should resist the urge that some people have to represent themselves. There is an old saying that a person who represents himself has a fool for a client. That saying more often than not is true.

If you honestly cannot afford the experienced attorney’s fees, you should consider a relatively new attorney who, although may not be as experienced and effective as his older and wiser peers, possesses far more skills than you do with regard to the law, courtroom procedures and presentations. Another thing to consider, if you truly have no money, is low cost legal services. There are some out there for people who cannot afford private representation. Contact our office for this information if you are someone who is unable to afford traditional representation.

We will be happy to provide the information to you so that you can find out if you qualify for the free or low-cost services. Again, you will be stuck with whomever they give you, but that person is far better at legal matters than you are. Even attorneys themselves almost always hire other attorneys for their own legal matters. This is because they know firsthand the importance of having an advocate who is not emotionally wrapped up in the situation.

For more information on Timeframe Of Resolution For Divorce, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (602) 788-1395 today.