Find the Best Divorce Lawyers in Tucson, AZ

How to choose a divorce attorney in Tucson

Arizona has the 13th highest divorce rate in the U.S., and Tucson ranks eighth in the nation for the number of ending marriages. With such a high divorce rate, many law firms in the city specialize in divorce and family law. Choosing the right attorney protects your interests and increases the chance of a satisfactory outcome in your case.

Getting a divorce in Tucson

Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, which means the party filing for divorce does not have to state a specific reason. While a no-fault divorce eliminates the need to prove grounds, the parties may still contest the divorce terms, including alimony, child custody and the division of property.

Uncontested divorces, which are those in which the divorcing parties do not disagree on the divorce terms, are generally the least expensive types of divorce. If the divorce is contested, there are several options to attempt to settle any disputed issues. The most common methods in Tucson are:

• Divorce mediation: A neutral third-party facilitates a settlement agreement by helping the divorcing couple negotiate and find compromises in disputed terms.
• Collaborative divorce: The divorcing parties hire attorneys and enter a formal agreement to negotiate in good faith. If the couple cannot reach a settlement, they must find new representation before proceeding to litigation.
• Divorce litigation: The parties hire attorneys and argue their sides of the dispute to a judge in family court. The judge then makes a binding decision on the divorce terms.

The cost of divorce attorneys in Tucson

Lawyer fees vary depending on the attorney’s experience. The average hourly rate for divorce attorneys in Tucson is $250, and the average cost of a divorce is $13,000. Highly contentious divorces that involve high-value assets can end up costing $30,000 or more.

Many Tucson attorneys request a retainer, which is an upfront fee from which the lawyer draws expenses. Some attorneys may charge flat fees for certain services, such as reviewing documents in an uncontested divorce. Other expenses you may incur include court costs, copy fees and postage fees.

Divorce attorneys often provide consultations free or at a reduced rate. These meetings can be used to get more information on hourly rates, inquire about the attorney’s experience and see if they are a good fit for your case.

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Tucson

When you start searching for an attorney in Tucson, ask for referrals from friends, relatives or professional acquaintances, such as accountants or attorneys in other fields. Check an attorney’s reviews from former clients and research their website to see if they seem like a good fit for your case.

Once you have narrowed your options, schedule initial consultations. It’s a good idea to consult with several attorneys. Things you might want to ask about during your meeting are:

• Experience: Ask the attorney how long they have been practicing and how many similar cases they have handled.
• Expertise: Find a lawyer whose skills match the specifics of your case. If your divorce impacts a minor, you need an attorney with experience working on child custody and child support agreements. If your divorce involves dividing high-value assets, your lawyer should be familiar with financial planning.
• Affordability: While cost shouldn’t be your sole deciding factor, discuss fees and payment arrangements with the attorney. Avoid adding financial stress during your divorce by having unclear financial obligations.
• Personal compatibility: Being comfortable with your attorney makes the divorce process less stressful. You want a lawyer who inspires confidence that your case is being handled correctly.

Also ask about divorce procedures, alimony rules in Arizona and splitting marital assets. The purpose of this first meeting is to ensure all of your questions are answered and to see if the attorney is a good fit to represent you. Going with the cheapest option is often not the correct choice — hiring the right attorney helps your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your divorce.