Find the Best Divorce Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ

How to choose a divorce attorney in Phoenix

Arizona has one of the highest divorce rates — 15 percent higher than the national average and 13th overall in the U.S. Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, which means the party asking for a divorce in Phoenix does not have to provide a specific reason.

Every divorce is different, and the divorce attorney you need depends on how contested you expect the divorce to be. The most common types of divorce in Phoenix are:

• Divorce litigation is where the parties have issues settled in a family court before a judge.
• Divorce mediation uses a neutral mediator to help both parties resolve their differences through negotiation so that a settlement agreement can be finalized.
• Collaborative divorce utilizes mediation and negotiations to settle the divorce.
• Uncontested divorce is used by couples who have no remaining disagreements about child custody, property division or spousal support.

The cost of divorce attorneys in Phoenix

The type of divorce impacts the total cost. An uncontested divorce is less expensive than one that requires litigation. Most divorce attorneys charge by the hour, with an average hourly rate of $250. That number can vary, however, ranging from $100 to $650 an hour depending on the attorney’s experience. The average cost for a divorce in Phoenix is around $15,000.

Some lawyers in Phoenix provide a free consultation to discuss your divorce process. Most firms ask for a retainer when you hire them. If your divorce attorney suspects your case will go to trial, you’ll typically need to pay a larger retainer. Other expenses you incur may include court costs, filing fees, copy fees and postage.

Comparing divorce attorneys in Phoenix

When hiring a divorce attorney, you should consider:

• Experience: Any attorney you consider should have substantial experience handling divorce cases in Phoenix and know what to expect from the local judges. Your chosen lawyer should primarily practice in the field of divorce or family law.
• Communication: Your attorney should quickly respond to phone calls, emails and requests for meetings. Poor communication is a common complaint when a client is unhappy.
• Personal compatibility: You should feel comfortable with your attorney and confident in their abilities. It may take a few discussions to decide if you are making the correct choice.
• Affordability: Find out what the attorney’s fees are. You should expect to pay a consultation fee, an hourly rate and an upfront retainer.

It’s crucial to work with an attorney with family law experience if child custody is a contested issue in the divorce. Hire an attorney who has sufficient experience handling cases that are similar to yours and who limits their practice to family law and directly related matters.

When first meeting with your attorney, make sure you understand the divorce procedure and ask if any other attorneys from the office will work on your case. Avoid any attorney who isn’t willing to answer your questions thoroughly.