Who Pays for a No-Fault Divorce?
A lot of people have one big question: Who pays for a no-fault divorce? Usually, each spouse is accountable for their own legal expenses. Nevertheless, in some instances, one spouse may petition the court to have the other spouse cover their expenses. This request may happen if there’s a significant income gap between spouses or one spouse is unable to afford the fees on their own. The judge is going to decide if this request is rational based on the financial circumstance of each spouse.
Since Arizona follows no-fault divorce laws, judges typically avoid placing blame, even when deciding who covers legal fees. Nevertheless, consulting knowledgeable lawyers such as the Ogborne Law team can aid you in understanding your options and guarantee a fair outcome.
How Long Does a No-Fault Divorce Take?
The duration of a no-fault divorce can differ subject to the complexity of the situation. In Arizona, a no-fault divorce has a minimal waiting period of 60 days since the date the divorce gets filed before it can be finalized. This grace period allows each party to think about their decisions and possibly reach agreements on child(ren) custody, spousal maintenance, and the division of property.
When you and your spouse can agree on the important aspects of your divorce, the process might be faster. Nevertheless, if there are disputes that require more time to settle, it could take numerous months longer. Working with experienced lawyers like our team Ogborne Law can make a huge difference, as we can aid you in guiding you throughout each step and work to keep things moving with no challenges.
Steps for Starting a No-Fault Divorce
If you believe a no-fault divorce could be right for you, the following is a quick 3-step guide to start:
Consult a lawyer. Consulting a family law lawyer should be your initial step. They can explain the particular rules that apply not only in Arizona but also to your specific circumstance and answer any questions you might have.
File for divorce. Following your consultation, your lawyer can help you file the required documentation with the court. In Arizona, the documents incorporate a petition for dissolution of marriage.
Agree on conditions. Collaborate with your spouse to agree on significant issues such as child(ren) custody, division of property, and spousal maintenance. An experienced lawyer can help with negotiations to aid both sides in reaching a fair agreement.
By following those steps, you can with confidence begin your no-fault divorce and avoid some of the common stresses.
What Is No-Fault Divorce?
Below is a somewhat in depth explanation of what a no-fault divorce is.
What Does “No-Fault” Mean in a Divorce?
A no-fault divorce enables you to file for divorce without any proof that your spouse did any wrongdoing. This kind of divorce is often straighter to the point and less stressful since it avoids conflicts over who caused the marriage to end. Alternatively, you simply need to state that the marriage is irrecoverable—this is usually known as “irreconcilable differences.” A lot states, including Arizona, approve no-fault divorces, making it an alternative for a lot of soon to be ex-spouses.
In no-fault divorces, neither spouse must prove cheating, spousal abuse, or any other wrongdoing. As an alternative, both soon to be ex-spouses can agree that the marriage is simply not working, and they are ready to move forward.
What Does No-Fault Divorce Mean for You?
A no-fault divorce can provide a less stressful and faster process. Without the requirement to prove fault, there’s typically less fighting and fewer times going court. This method helps couples avoid some of the more dreadful aspects of divorce, particularly if they have children and want to keep things as cordial as possible. It also saves money because no-fault divorces usually resolve faster than at-fault ones.
For some, no-fault divorce enables them to move forward with less challenges. This is particularly beneficial when both spouses are ready to start anew and leave the marriage behind them without playing the blame game.
Collaborative Divorce And Child Custody
Discussions about child custody issues are always difficult during a divorce. While there is no way to make them easy or comfortable, you can find ways to work together. The collaborative divorce process helps with tools and professionals to make child custody and other decisions a little more manageable. By working together as a team, you’re able to make the decisions that are best for the kids.
Collaborative divorce can make these challenging times more manageable. It requires you to work with your spouse at a time when you have decided you need to go your separate ways. When it comes to child custody, though, you want to do all you can to make the right parenting decisions. Collaborative divorce can help create pathways for you to cooperate. If you live in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and want to learn more about collaborative divorce, contact Ogborne Law today.
