how much does it cost for a uncontested divorce lawyer

What is the average cost of an uncontested divorce?

if the divorce is uncontested, most lawyers will charge a flat rate of $1,500 (excluding court fees) which includes consultation, an analysis of your situation, calculation of spousal and child support, an analysis of the division of marital assets and debts, child custody and support agreement, detailed divorce settlement agreement, preparation …

How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

You'll need to pay your lawyer a retainer ($2,500–$5,000), which is a form of downpayment that your attorney will charge you against until the money runs out. Once that happens, you will either pay an additional retainer or be billed by the hour. Average hourly divorce attorney fees are between $150 and $400.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Texas?

The fees associated with the filing of a divorce case are:

• An $84.00 fee is required to file a complaint
• Chancery Commissioners fee is $150.00
• Name Change Application to resume maiden name $39.00

What is a retainer fee for a divorce lawyer?

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Cost Difference Between Uncontested and Contested Divorce

An uncontested divorce will be less costly than a contested one mainly because it is not a lengthy, drawn-out process where both parties are battling each other in court on every issue. Where the divorce is being contested, a court will have to determine most issues on behalf of the parties involved, usually resulting in higher legal costs.

With an Attorney

In most contentious cases, it is usual for each party to have an attorney involved in the divorce proceedings. If you decide to have an attorney help you, it is their role to advise you of your legal rights, represent you in communications with your partner, and appear in court to advocate on your behalf.

Without an Attorney

When it comes to divorce, the least expensive option is choosing to file for an uncontested divorce without the need for an attorney. Where both parties agree on the important issues, there is no need to hire an attorney to represent them. However, if clarification is needed on certain issues or points of law, an attorney can still be consulted.

Through the Collaboration Process

Many divorce cases lie somewhere in between contested and uncontested. Parties may be able and willing to see eye to eye on some aspects of their divorce yet find it hard to agree on others.

Getting a Divorce When You Don't Have The Money

The more both parties can reach an agreement on their issues without resorting to expensive litigation, the cheaper the divorce will be. Where money is a factor, it is always advisable to explore alternatives, especially where things have become contentious.

What is an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce is one in which the parties agree on all issues pertaining to the divorce– such as spousal maintenance, child custody, the division of assets, etc. These divorce cases are often relatively inexpensive, simple, and quick.

How much does an Uncontested Divorce cost?

Contested or not, there will be filing fees due to the court. For example, in Maricopa County, two filing fees are required in every divorce case:

Service Fee

If you and your soon-to-be ex are in contact and they are willing to sign Acceptance of Service, you will be able to save on fees to a process server! If that is not the case, a process server typically charges about $50-$75 per service attempt.

Parenting Courses

If you and your spouse have minor children, you will each be required to complete a one-time Parenting Information Program, which is a 4-hour class that costs $50 or less and is available online.

The Cost of Hiring a Divorce Attorney

If you’re looking to retain an attorney to represent you, they will determine a retainer fee based on the facts discussed during your initial consultation. Retainer fees, as well as attorneys’ hourly rates, will vary between law firms and often between attorneys within a single law firm.

How to Save Money During Your Divorce

Come to as many agreements as possible with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. Even if your divorce is only partially uncontested, the more you can agree and settle on various issues in your divorce, the less time-consuming and expensive your case will be in the long run!

How much does an uncontested divorce cost?

If there is absolutely no contention between you and your spouse, an uncontested divorce will cost you nothing more than $100 to $200.

What is an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce is one where neither spouse has any contentions about the terms of the marriage dissolution. In many situations, the respondent spouse may not even file a response to the divorce petition. Uncontested divorces proceed much faster and reach resolution much quicker than normal divorces. And since most of the cost associated ...

What are the rules for divorce?

Commonly, parties to an uncontested divorce proceeding will have agreed to cooperate to make the proceedings swift. A written agreement is usually drawn up between them. This agreement will take care of and detail their plans for: 1 Child support payments 2 Child custody agreements 3 Visitation rights 4 Payment of shared debts 5 Division of shared property 6 Alimony payments

What happens if my spouse doesn't agree to a petition?

Spousal petition response: If your spouse does not agree to waive their rights to challenge the petition, they can file a formal response to the petition. Once this response is filed, additional filing fees will be required for the procedure and the cost of drafting the response will also have to be taken into account.

What does the expense of filing a complaint cover?

The expense will cover the process of filing a complaint with the appropriate family court in your district. The parties must have set out all the terms of the impending divorce in an agreement though. The agreement must contain all the terms that will regulate the rights and responsibilities of the parties after the divorce.

How long does it take to get an uncontested divorce?

Where many normal divorces are full of long drawn wrangling, uncontested divorces are often open and shut and can be done with in less than two months.

What is the unhappy thing about agreements?

The unhappy thing about agreements is: you can’t always tell how they will adapt to future changes in the circumstances of the parties. You can’t always tell how well they will work for the relationship in future.