how much does a simple divorce cost

by Amina McDermott 4 min read

An uncontested divorce or one with no major contested issues costs, on average, $4,100. Disputes over child support, child custody, and alimony raise the average cost of a divorce significantly. Divorces that go to trial on two or more issues cost, on average, $23,300.

Full Answer

How much does the average divorce really cost?

Jul 06, 2021 · When you file for an uncontested divorce on your own, without the help of a divorce attorney, is the less costly way to go. You’ll have an estimated $300 fee to file your documentation with the court, whether you file on your own or with the assistance of online services.

How can I reduce the cost of my divorce?

Mar 17, 2022 · 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. Unless you get a waiver based on your income, you must pay filing fees.

How to reduce the cost of a divorce?

Aug 13, 2018 · The average cost for a DIY divorce can range anywhere between $300-$1500 depending on the complexity of your case, paperwork fees and the court. You will incur around $300 pertaining to the filing and court fees, no matter what and the additional costs usually are incurred for paperwork and valuations that the courts may require.

How to get a free, quick divorce?

Apr 07, 2022 · The Cost of a Simple Divorce in Texas. To start with, every divorce requires a filing fee with the county clerk in the county where you and your spouse reside. Each county in Texas has its own fee. The following are the base fees in the counties where I practice family law: Brazoria County: Divorce/annulment base fee of $288.

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How much does a divorce cost?

A regular attorney-driven divorce can set you back by $15,000-$32,000 and any divorce case that goes to trial can cost between $75,000-$200,000 for a couple.

How much does it cost to get divorced DIY?

The average cost for a DIY divorce can range anywhere between $300-$1500 depending on the complexity of your case, paperwork fees and the court.

What are the factors that affect the cost of divorce?

The key factors which have an impact on the cost of divorce are: The method of divorce. The attorney you decide on. The state and/or the county where you reside. The complexities of your divorce case. Level of conflict or support between your spouse and you.

What is the complexities of divorce?

The complexities of your divorce case. Level of conflict or support between your spouse and you. No two divorces are alike and so, when you are determining the cost of the divorce, you must consider the specific situation and the complexities of the divorce.

How much does a divorce attorney charge per hour?

Typically, the average fee charged by divorce attorneys per hour can be between $200 and $500 per hour. You may have to pay the attorney a retainer of around $3,500-$10,000 at the beginning, depending on the complexity of your case.

Is divorce uncontested?

The divorce is uncontested. where all the major issues like division of property, alimony and child custody have been settled between your spouse and you. If you are satisfied that you have the complete information regarding the assets and debts of your family and these are not complicated.

What is a DIY divorce?

A DIY divorce is where your spouse and you are completely responsible for completing all the documentation and steps required to get a divorce. In a DIY divorce, there is no involvement of any external legal professionals. You can opt for a DIY divorce if:

How much does a divorce cost?

The median cost of a divorce is $7,500. An uncontested divorce or one with no major contested issues costs, on average, $4,100. Disputes over child support, child custody, and alimony raise the average cost of a divorce significantly. Divorces that go to trial on two or more issues cost, on average, $23,300.

How much does a divorce attorney charge per hour?

20% paid $400 or more per hour. The more complicated the divorce, the higher attorneys' fees -- especially if the proceedings take a long time or if going to trial to resolve contested issues is necessary. Some attorneys offer a flat fee, which can help you budget for your divorce case.

How long does it take to get divorced in NC?

Divorces take, on average, between 12 and 18 months to finalize. Filing fees range from $75 in North Carolina to $435 in California. Divorced men and women have less money in independently owned defined-contribution retirement accounts than married men and women.

How much does a family therapy session cost?

Family therapy for yourself or your child: Rates are typically $75 to $200 per session, according to the National Directory of Marriage and Family Counseling.

Do you have to pay a fee to dissolve a marriage?

The court must legally dissolve your marriage. You have to pay a filing fee in court for this. Filing fees vary a lot by state, with some states showing significantly higher divorce costs than others.

What is Nolo for divorce?

Nolo is in a unique position to gather information about what actually happens in divorce cases across the country. Thousands of people visit Nolo.com and other Nolo sites every day, seeking legal information about divorce and looking to connect with divorce attorneys.

Do I need an attorney for divorce?

Although most people would prefer to have an attorney by their side when going through a divorce, many also worry about how much this will cost. Even if you've called around or visited the websites of various divorce attorneys, you may still wonder if a lawyer is charging too much, or even too little ...

Can an attorney text you?

Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

How long does it take to get divorced in California?

With kids, it can take 18 months or longer. The average cost of a divorce in California is about 37% higher than anywhere else in the country. Most divorce attorneys in California charge an average of $330 per hour for legal representation, and expenses are generally higher in California than most other states due to the high cost ...

What is the goal of a divorce agreement?

The goal of any divorce agreement is to ensure an equitable distribution of a married couple’s shared property and assets and prevent exploitation. Each divorcing spouse will need an attorney, and some divorcing spouses will need to prepare for significant economic losses.

What happens when one spouse earns more money than the other?

When one spouse earns more money than the other, divorce negotiations will likely involve discussions about alimony, spousal support, or child support if the couple has children and one parent obtains majority custody . A higher-earning spouse may need to pay alimony or spousal support to the lower-earning spouse to help him or her maintain a reasonable lifestyle until he or she is self-sufficient. A prenuptial agreement may have a clause concerning alimony rights, but a judge may or may not enforce this depending on the nature of the prenuptial agreement and other aspects of the divorce.

Does California recognize community property?

California recognizes a community property rule when it comes to divorce. Any assets or property gained by a couple during a marriage typically counts as community property. If the couple commingles their personal assets and debts, those assets and debts also fall under community property.

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