how much does a divorce lawyer cost in pa

Average total costs for Pennsylvania divorce lawyers are $9,500 to $11,500 but are typically lower in cases without contested issues. If you’re facing a divorce in Pennsylvania, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that the process can be expensive. But you probably want more details than that.

Full Answer

How much does divorce cost in Pennsylvania?

Apr 28, 2020 · Average total costs for Pennsylvania divorce lawyers are $9,500 to $11,500 but are typically lower in cases without contested issues. If you’re facing a divorce in Pennsylvania, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that the process can be expensive. But you probably want more details than that. Just how expensive can it be where you live?

How fast can I get a divorce in Pennsylvania?

Jul 07, 2020 · Pursuing an uncontested or mutual consent divorce in Pennsylvania without hiring an attorney is the cheapest route. You can expect approximately a $300 fee to file your divorce papers. There can be an additional cost between $150 and $1,500 in case you use the support of an online service.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost?

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Pennsylvania? On average, divorce lawyers charge $250-350 an hour. The more disputes are left unresolved between you and your spouse, the longer you will require legal services, which means that you may end up with a hefty check. Here are some factors that influence the cost of a divorce lawyer:

How to find a divorce record in Pennsylvania?

Oct 07, 2021 · The amount of money you could spend on legal fees depends primarily on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. If there are no contested issues, the average total cost of a divorce in Pennsylvania is between $3,500 and $4,000 if there is even one contested or disputed item, the average cost increases from $5,000 to $6,000.

What does the average divorce cost in PA?

The average cost of divorce in Pennsylvania state is approximately $14,300. The expenses can reach $21,500 if there are children or property involved. The average filing fees in Pennsylvania are $350.

How much does a divorce cost if both parties agree?

If both parties agree on all major issues, known as an uncontested divorce, you can keep the costs relatively low. If you do your own divorce papers and your divorce is amicable, costs could be under $500. Of course, there are filing fees in all states, which increase the cost.

Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in PA?

Do You Need a Lawyer for Uncontested Divorce? You don't need to hire a lawyer to get a mutual consent divorce in Pennsylvania and you can represent yourself during the process. Spouses can try to handle everything themselves or use an online service that eases the process.

Who pays for the divorce in Pennsylvania?

Generally speaking, you're on your own for your legal fees. In certain cases wherein one party has a very good income and the other party is low or no income, it is possible to ask the Court to have the well-to-do party pay the other's legal fees.Sep 3, 2019

Is it better to divorce or separate?

Separation can allow you to tackle various aspects of the divorce process, such as establishing a child custody arrangement and dividing marital property, more calmly. Without court fees and timelines hovering over their heads, spouses may find navigating these legal disputes significantly easier during separation.Sep 14, 2020

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in PA?

two yearsTo obtain a no-fault divorce, you and your spouse must have been separated for two years before filing or you both must consent to the divorce. Additionally, a judge won't grant your no-fault divorce right away. Once you've filed your case, there is a 90-day waiting period before your divorce can be finalized.

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

A spouse is entitled to alimony only if the court decides that alimony is “necessary.” To decide whether alimony is necessary, how much should be paid, and how long it should be paid, the court must consider many factors – including but not limited to the relative income and earning capacities of the parties, the ages ...

How do I start the divorce process?

To start the divorce you will need to the following: File a document, called a Petition, to the Court to initiate the divorce process. Only one spouse can file for a divorce (the Petitioner). The other party is known as the Respondent. ... Apply for a Decree Nisi. Apply for a Decree Absolute.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in PA?

Some may consider rushing to be the first to file, due to widespread belief that doing so will benefit them. However, what too few couples realize is that so long as both parties are Pennsylvania residents, it does not matter who files for divorce first.Nov 20, 2020

Can you date while separated in PA?

Is it okay to date when you're separated? It is okay, providing you do it right. If you start seeing someone else before you and your spouse decide to divorce or before you physically separate, it is considered adultery.Sep 17, 2018

How long can a divorce settlement take?

Typically, a divorce settlement will take 9–12 months.Oct 8, 2021

Who gets the kids in a divorce in PA?

A court awards one or both parents sole or joint custody. At the court's discretion, the judge may award sole custody when it's in the best interest of the child, or joint custody when both parents request joint custody and have agreed to it and it is in the best interest of the child.

Who pays for a divorce in PA?

In Pennsylvania the court has the power to order one spouse to pay for the other’s attorney fees. The judge will consider factors such as the incom...

Is collaborative divorce cheaper than traditional divorce?

The Pennsylvania Collaborative Law Act has made collaborative divorces legitimate. Couples are free to agree on any type of financial and custody s...

What are the values of a good divorce lawyer?

You want to be sure that your lawyer has experience handling divorce cases in Pennsylvania -- specifically in the jurisdiction where your case will...

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in PA?

Pursuing an uncontested divorce without hiring an attorney is the cheapest route. You can expect approximately a $300 fee to file your divorce pape...

How much does it cost to get divorced in Pennsylvania?

Pursuing an uncontested or mutual consent divorce in Pennsylvania without hiring an attorney is the cheapest route. You can expect approximately a $300 fee to file your divorce papers. There can be an additional cost between $150 and $1,500 in case you use the support of an online service.

How to choose a divorce lawyer in Pennsylvania?

When choosing the right divorce lawyer in Pennsylvania, you want to consider much more than just their cost for services. After all, the family lawyer of your choice will shape many aspects of your future after divorce. While this is a factor worth considering, so are the following: 1 How long have they been practicing family law? 2 What is their education? 3 Are they knowledgeable about the divorce laws specific to Pennsylvania and the procedure in your county? 4 Do they have a good reputation among other lawyers and judges? 5 How are they ranked on AVVO, Google Reviews, or social media? 6 Has anyone you know worked with them before, and what would they say about them?

Why is divorce so expensive?

In general, divorces become increasingly expensive based on three main factors: the complexity of your individual situation (which will impact how long the process takes); who you hire; how much you or your spouse are willing to compromise to reach agreements and keep costs down.

What does a divorce lawyer do?

Working with a divorce attorney who can protect your interest in future financial benefits like pensions and retirement accounts will provide closure and peace of mind as you move on with your life. An experienced divorce lawyer will make sure that assets are appropriately re-titled to avoid unforeseen tax consequences.

Why is it important to hire a lawyer for divorce?

Hiring a skilled lawyer will be among the most important decisions you make in your divorce process. You want to ensure that you have an attorney who will work to find the best outcomes for you, your children, and your financial future.

What is collaborative divorce?

In a collaborative divorce, each party agrees to resolve their issues cooperatively.

How Much Does a No-Fault Divorce Cost in Pennsylvania?

The cost of no-fault divorce in PA will be around $12,000 if the case is contested, $4,000 with a lawyer in an uncontested case, or under $500 if spouses prepare their paperwork themselves or get it online.

Contested Divorce in Pennsylvania: Costs

What makes a divorce so expensive? The answer is simple – disputes. The more you have – the more you are going to spend, and you may expect to pay anywhere from $13,000 to $30,000 or more.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Pennsylvania?

On average, divorce lawyers charge $250-350 an hour. The more disputes are left unresolved between you and your spouse, the longer you will require legal services, which means that you may end up with a hefty check.

Filing Fee for Divorce in Pennsylvania

The average cost to file for divorce in Pennsylvania is $300-400. No matter if you are going to hire a lawyer or not, you will have to cover this filing fee. The amount you have to pay will depend on the county where you plan to file in.

What Is the Total Cost of a Divorce in Pennsylvania?

The amount of money you could spend on legal fees depends primarily on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.

What Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost?

Legal fees make up a large part of the cost of your divorce. Most divorce attorneys charge between $230 and $280 per hour. In the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas, fees may be as high as $320 per hour. By the time your divorce is finalized, the total fees are between $9,500 and $11,500.

A Pittsburgh Divorce Lawyer Can Reduce Your Costs Overall

Hiring a Pittsburgh divorce lawyer seems expensive, but you must consider the value of having a legal fighter on your side. It may be a better investment up front than to pay thousands of dollars for many years in child support, spousal support, or both.

Other Expenses in a Divorce

There are some other costs involved with getting a divorce. You will have to pay filing fees, mediation costs, and potential expert expenses. Sometimes experts are used in child custody cases. Financial analysts may be used to submit an opinion and analysis in alimony, spousal support, and child support issues.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of Divorce in PA

The primary factor that affects the cost of a Pennsylvania divorce is whether both spouses consent to the divorce. Contested divorces often come with more arguments between the spouses. They often result in more time, attorney involvement, court appearances, and money to resolve the issues on the table.

Who Pays Attorney Fees in a Divorce?

One of the primary expenses of divorce is often the cost of retaining legal representation. In Pennsylvania, the court has the power to order one spouse to pay for the other’s attorney fees.

The Investment of a High-Quality Lawyer

Most attorneys bill at an hourly rate. When a divorce is contentious, attorneys could spend many hours on the case, and the cost will add up. However, the potential price tag should not motivate divorcing spouses to hire the cheapest lawyers possible to cut expenses.