how much does a divorce lawyer cost in new jersey

Full Answer

Who pays the lawyer in a New Jersey divorce?

Thus, in divorce matters, the parties generally each pay a retainer fee to their respective attorneys to begin the divorce process. What is a Retainer? A retainer is an advance payment to secure, or “retain”, the services of an attorney for a particular legal matter.

How much are the divorce attorney fees in NJ?

On average, New Jersey divorce lawyers charge between $295 and $340 per hour. Average total costs for New Jersey divorce lawyers are $12,500-$14,500 but are typically much less in cases with no contested issues. If you’re getting divorced, you probably have a lot of concerns. Cost is likely to be one of them: How expensive is divorce in New Jersey?

How much does it cost to get a divorce attorney?

In our survey, people who hired a full-scope divorce lawyer—meaning the attorney handled everything in the case, from start to finish—paid an average of $11,300 in attorneys' fees. If those results give you sticker shock, it may help to remember that a few people with very high costs can skew the average.

What is the average price for a divorce lawyer?

Our survey results might help. The first part of the total bill for a divorce lawyer is the hourly rate. Our survey showed an average rate of $270 an hour for divorce lawyers across the United States, but individual rates varied a lot.

How much does it cost to get a divorce in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, it costs $325 to file your official Complaint for Divorce with the court (if you have children) and $300 (if you do not). You should expect additional charges if you need to have a Process Server serve your spouse. Your attorney may also charge for copy costs and postage.

Do you need a lawyer to divorce in NJ?

You can file for a divorce in New Jersey without legal representation. As a New Jersey divorce lawyer, I may be a bit biased, but no one recommends getting a divorce without first getting legal representation. Lawyers can see issues from a completely different viewpoint, as they're not emotionally tied to the divorce.

What is the cheapest way to get divorce in NJ?

One way to get a cheap divorce in New Jersey is to choose mediation. Mediation is an “alternative dispute resolution.” This means that it is an alternative to going through litigation. Generally, divorce mediation will be a lot less expensive than divorce litigation.

Who pays attorney fees in divorce in NJ?

Once the decision is made to divorce, one of the first questions people ask is – how do I pay my lawyer? Contingency fees are not permitted in family law matters in New Jersey. Thus, in divorce matters, the parties generally each pay a retainer fee to their respective attorneys to begin the divorce process.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in NJ?

In New Jersey limited duration alimony, permanent and/or rehabilitative alimony, reimbursement alimony, or a combination thereof will be ordered. For example, a spouse unable to get skills and training necessary to get a job and support themselves may be entitled to permanent alimony.

How long does a divorce take in NJ?

If you have no issues at all (i.e. no children, no property, no debts) then the process can be completed in as little as 3-6 months. If you have complex issues and cannot work out an agreement with your spouse, your divorce may take up to 14 months and beyond to be completed.

What can be used against you in a divorce?

Spending marital money on extramarital affairs. Transferring marital funds to another person before a separation. Spending unreasonable amounts on business expenditures. Selling marital assets below the market value.

Can I get a divorce without going to court?

An uncontested divorce is one in which you and your spouse work together to agree on the terms of your divorce. You will both consult with the same attorney, who will be unbiased and impartial. There is no formal trial, and only the plaintiff appears in court.

Who gets the house in a divorce in NJ?

New Jersey is an “equitable distribution” state That means New Jersey family courts distribute marital property in a manner that is fair, but not necessarily equal. In other words, the court is under no obligation to split your marital property 50/50; it all comes down to what the court believes is fair.

Do I have to get an attorney for a divorce?

If you and your spouse agree on all the terms of your divorce, you can file for an uncontested divorce without the help of a lawyer. However, it is always advisable to at least have a lawyer look through your agreement in an uncontested divorce to make sure that your rights and interests are protected.