how much does a divorce lawyer cost in illinois

Average total costs for Illinois divorce lawyers are $11,000 to $14,000 but typically are significantly lower in cases with no contested issues. If you’re facing an Illinois divorce, you no doubt have many concerns, including what will happen to your children, house, and other property.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to get a divorce attorney?

Feb 04, 2021 · Average total costs for Illinois divorce lawyers are $11,000 to $14,000 but typically are significantly lower in cases with no contested issues. If you’re facing an Illinois divorce, you no doubt have many concerns, including what will happen to your children, house, and other property.

How much does a divorce cost in Illinois?

Dec 14, 2021 · Average Attorney’s Rates. The divorce lawyer cost in Illinois can also vary to a great extent. However, on average, considering the overall $13,800 cost, the cost for the lawyer is around $10,900. There are other expenses as well that combine to make the total amount even greater, for example, the fee for filing a divorce case in Illinois is $289.

Who pays attorney fees in divorce?

Sep 30, 2021 · $337 to open a case and file for divorce, $206 to respond if your ex-spouse files for divorce first, $60 to have the sheriff serve your spouse with a copy of filings, and $50 to attend FOCUS on children, court-ordered parenting classes. These fees may seem minimal, but they typically make up only a portion of the divorce cost in Illinois.

How much are divorce lawyers?

Mar 04, 2014 · They can vary widely depending on the attorney’s discretion and area, and range from around $2,000 to $10,000 or higher. Additionally, some attorneys make their retainers refundable under certain circumstances, while others choose not to. Divorce attorneys can also charge by the hour.

The Cost of Divorce Lawyers in Illinois

As our reader survey confirmed, most people hire a lawyer to handle their divorce cases. When they do, their biggest divorce-related expense is the total fee they pay the attorney. That final bill is made up of two elements: how much the lawyer charges per hour, and the total number of hours needed to resolve all the divorce issues.

How Disputes and Trial Affect the Cost of Divorce in Illinois

Divorcing couples commonly disagree about one or more important issues in their cases, especially:

What Other Expenses Contribute to the Cost of Divorce?

Although attorneys’ fees account for the bulk of divorce expenses, there are also other costs. In addition to filing fees (which can vary from county to county), you might also have to pay for mediation and the fees for experts, such as child custody evaluators and financial analysts.

More Information and Resources on Illinois Divorce

If you have no contested issues in your divorce and meet the other requirements for a “joint simplified dissolution” in Illinois, you can save time and money by going through this special process on your own or with limited help from a consulting attorney. Learn more about uncontested divorce in Illinois.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Illinois?

However, on average, considering the overall $13,800 cost, the cost for the lawyer is around $10,900. There are other expenses as well that combine to make the total amount even greater, for example, the fee for filing a divorce case in Illinois is $289. As such, it is extremely important to know about all associated costs before you make your decision.

What are the issues when getting divorced?

One of the most common issues that people dread when they decide to get divorced is the property issue . However, it is a more common issue for couples that have a high net worth and numerous physical assets. There are several misconceptions pertaining to this specific issue.

Is alimony a serious issue?

While child custody is a very serious issue, alimony disputes are also not something that one should take lightly. The rationale behind saying this is the fact that there can be so many different possibilities for resolution.

What are the Costs Involved With Divorce in Illinois?

Even if you and your ex-spouse mutually agree to end your marriage based on irreconcilable differences, unavoidable fees make up part of the average divorce cost in Illinois.

Other Factors That Affect the Cost of Divorce in Illinois

Multiple factors significantly increase the divorce cost in Illinois. Determining whether these factors may come into play in your dissolution process may prepare you for potential costs to consider.

What are the Grounds for Divorce in Illinois?

The type of divorce you pursue can affect the divorce cost in Illinois. The degree to which you are able to cooperate with your spouse will help determine how much a divorce costs in Illinois.

How Can Vantage Group Legal Help You?

Vantage Group Legal understands the stress and emotions associated with divorce. We help clients find the best divorce attorney for them! Call our office to discuss your case either in person or virtually with one of our in-house attorneys.

How much does a divorce lawyer charge in Illinois?

Illinois divorce lawyers charge an hourly fee of $260 on average to proceed with the divorce. Spouses’ payments include fees for any paralegals involved, legal staff, court filings, financing the costs of expert witnesses, financial analysts, appraisers and professional child custody evaluations.

What is high cost divorce?

High-income couples will have a high-cost divorce. The steep rise of costs in a divorce that includes property division occurs when multiple assets are involved. Couples entangled in the dissolution of marriage will zealously safeguard their retirement accounts, savings accounts, cars, brokerage accounts and real estate.

Why do people file for divorce based on fault?

Filing for divorce based on fault will ensure the cost of divorce is higher than average. Spouses who claim faults, like impotence, abandonment, infidelity, drug, or alcohol abuse or cruelty will witness the price of their divorce proceedings ascend markedly.

What are the costs of divorce?

There are two main costs involved in a divorce: Court Fees and Attorney Fees. Of course, the more continuous the divorce, the more hours you should expect your attorney to work on your case. On the bright side, no matter how complicated your divorce is, court fees are the same for everyone.

How much does it cost to get divorced in Cook County?

Key court fees for residents of Cook County: 1 $337 to file/open a new divorce case 2 $206 to respond if your spouse files for divorce 3 $60 to have the Sheriff serve your spouse 4 $25 to attend FOCUS on Children 5 $50 transcript fee

Why do I need a mediator for divorce?

Mediators work with the couple to discuss and work out all aspects of the divorce. In these cases, attorneys are not required, and the divorce does not go to court, which means the divorce is typically more affordable .

How long does a divorce take?

Contested divorces can last years, but some can settle within a few months. As a rough guide, a contested divorce generally takes at least 10 hours, for which you will pay an hourly rate.

Who is Ktenas Law Group?

Ktenas Law Group is experienced in helping couples navigate through and complete their divorce. Both contested and uncontested divorces are expertly handled by the family law attorneys at our Illinois-based law firm. You can book a free consultation today by calling us at (312)-756-8600.

What is the role of an attorney in a divorce?

In that case, the attorney’s role is to guide you through the court process and assist with the required paperwork and filings.

Does hiring an attorney break the bank?

Legal costs can be a big part of divorce expenses. However, hiring an attorney does not have to mean breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to keep attorney costs down during a divorce.

You Get What You Pay For....Usually

Often times, you will be told that the least expensive divorce is one that is mediated…the person usually telling you this is a mediator. Other times, you will be told that the least expensive divorce is one that utilizes " collaborative law " approach.

Keeping the Lid on Attorney's fees

Over the years, we have experienced everything from the client who attempts (and sometimes succeeds) in negotiating the entire settlement directly with their soon-to-be ex-spouse to the client who knows nothing about the financial affairs of the other party.

Contact an Experienced DuPage County Family Law and Divorce Attorney

It is true that each law firm or attorney will have their own fee structure. At Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C., we will discuss our fees upfront. If you retain our office, our agreement as to fees will be made in writing to you in the form of an Attorney-Client Fee Agreement.