One of the most significant worries people have in the divorce process is the cost of it. What is the cost of a divorce? How much can you expect to pay a divorce attorney? Could you get your divorce decree without hiring one?
How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
There is unfortunately no blanket answer to this question: Every case is unique. Let’s look at some general scenarios to give you an idea of average rates.
If your divorce is relatively simple
In a simple uncontested (or mostly uncontested) divorce case, both parties generally agree on essential aspects like property division, child custody, and spousal support.
The absence of disputes makes the process quicker and more straightforward, leading to lower legal costs. In such cases, the attorney's primary role is to draft and file the necessary paperwork to finalize the divorce.
For example, let’s say John and Jane have decided to part ways amicably after a short marriage with no children and minimal shared assets. They have already agreed on how to divide their belongings, and neither party wants spousal support. In this instance, if an attorney were hired, their work would primarily involve preparing the divorce petition, drafting the settlement agreement, and ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
A simple divorce case like this might take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the court's schedule and the parties' cooperation. Attorney fees could range from $1,000 to $3,000 for an uncontested divorce, although this figure can vary based on factors such as geographical location and the attorney's experience.
A divorce is not usually needed for an uncontested divorce. Watch our free webinar replay, Succeed at Divorce without Lawyers.
If your divorce is highly complex
A highly complex divorce case could have various complications: disagreements over property division, child custody battles, and contested spousal support claims are just a few examples. These contested issues often require additional work by a divorce lawyer including discovery (gathering evidence), negotiation, and possibly, litigation.
For example, let’s say Mark and Mary are divorcing. They have been married for 20 years, have multiple children, and own several properties and businesses together. They disagree on child custody arrangements and the division of their shared assets. An attorney could conduct a thorough investigation of their financial records, engage in negotiations, and possibly represent them in court if an agreement cannot be reached.
Read about the differences between uncontested and contested divorce.
The type of lawyer fees involved in complex cases can be hourly or flat; hourly rates are more common. An attorney's hourly rate depends on their experience, reputation, and geographical location. Rates range from $150 to $500 per hour or even higher for top-tier attorneys. In some situations, a lawyer may ask for a retainer fee upfront. This is an advance payment toward their services.
Given the nature of complex divorce cases, the total cost can be difficult to predict. The final bill could range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the extent of the disputes, the duration of the case, and the need for expert witnesses or additional legal professionals. It's important to note that these figures are only estimates and can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
Suggested: How and When to Communicate with Your Divorce Lawyer
Types of attorney fees you may encounter
Retainer fee
A retainer fee is an upfront payment made by a client to secure the services of an attorney for a specific period or throughout the duration of a case. This fee ensures that the lawyer will prioritize the client's case and be readily available when needed.
The client pays the retainer fee upfront, and as the attorney works on the case, they deduct their hourly charges from the retainer amount. If the retainer is exhausted before the case concludes, the client may need to replenish it. On the other hand, if the attorney completes the case without using the entire retainer, the remaining balance is typically refunded to the client.
Contingency fee
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where the attorney receives a percentage of the client's award or settlement only if the case is successful. This fee structure is commonly used in personal injury, workers' compensation, and some employment law cases. It is not commonly seen in divorce.
The contingency fee is typically a percentage of the total amount recovered, usually from 25% to 40%, depending on the case's complexity and stage. If the attorney does not secure a favorable outcome, the client owes no legal fees. However, the client may still be responsible for court costs and other expenses associated with the case.
We simplify your divorce papers. Read about Hello Divorce’s DIY Divorce software here.
Spouse’s attorney fees
In some divorce cases, one spouse may be required to pay for the other spouse's attorney's fees. This arrangement is intended to level the playing field when there is a significant income disparity between spouses so both have access to adequate legal representation.
The court considers factors such as each party's financial resources, earning capacity, and the reasonableness of the requested fees. If the court orders one spouse to pay the other's attorney fees, the payment can be made directly to the attorney or reimbursed to the spouse who has already paid the fees.
Flat fee
A flat fee is a fixed, one-time payment for a specific service that does not change regardless of the time spent on the case. This fee structure provides clients with cost certainty. It’s commonly used for routine legal matters and uncontested divorces.
The attorney and client agree on a set fee for the uncontested divorce. The client pays the agreed-upon fee upfront, and the attorney completes the required work for that amount. There's usually a statement in this agreement that, if the divorce case proceeds beyond a certain time or has additional complexities that were unknown at the start, the client will end up paying more.
The flat fees offered by Hello Divorce are intended to help save clients money and stress. We guide and support clients with the goal of helping them move through divorce with the least amount of hassle possible.
To read about our flat-fee online divorce plans, click here. Read about our flat-fee divorce services (such as divorce mediation).
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