how much does it cost to get a divorce lawyer

by Mrs. Serenity Fisher 8 min read

Every divorce case is different. Your exact costs cannot be calculated in advance. However, on average, Divorce lawyers charge $3k - $5k just to get started on your case, and an additional $300 - $500 per hour on top of that.

Divorce Filing Fees and Typical Attorney Fees by State
StateAverage Filing FeesOther Divorce Costs and Attorney Fees
California$435 (Ask for a fee waiver)Average fees: $14,000
Colorado$230Average fees: $11,000+
Connecticut$360 (excluding paternity legal action)Average fees: $12,000+
Delaware$165Average fees: $12,000+
48 more rows
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Jul 21, 2020

Full Answer

What is the average price for a divorce lawyer?

Jun 17, 2021 · Generally speaking, the standard rates for an uncontested divorce lawyer cost anywhere from $100 to $500 per hour, not including court filing and/or retainer fees.

How much years to become a divorce lawyer?

The average cost for a divorce lawyer is $250 an hour and you will spend around $15,000 total. Hiring a divorce lawyer for representation, you will likely spend between $100 and $650 per hour. The price of a divorce lawyer can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code).

How much is it to hire an attorney for divorce?

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 retainer fee for a divorce lawyer?

However, on average, Divorce lawyers charge $3k - $5k just to get started on your case, and an additional $300 - $500 per hour on top of that. That's not including court fees and other costs associated with divorce. In general, uncontested divorces are less expensive than contested divorces. Learn more about how much a divorce lawyer costs below.

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Typical Hourly Rate For Divorce Attorneys

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The Average Total Cost of Divorce

When all is said and done, what did the average person pay, in total, to get divorced? This figure includes total attorney’s fees, court costs, and...

How Long Does The Average Divorce Case take?

Another pressing question among people deciding to divorce: How long will it take? According to the results from our survey, the average time it to...

How much does a divorce attorney cost?

The total cost of a divorce is about $15,000, but can go as high as $100,000 depending on how many issues you want a judgment on ...

How much does it cost to file for divorce?

The cost will vary from state to state, but typically it’s about $300 , which can sting, considering the circumstances.

What is a free consultation?

Most firms offer a free consultation, and it can be very helpful in finding the attorney that's a good fit for the particular details that need to be resolved in your divorce. A good consultation will cover. guidelines on how to conduct yourself for the duration of the case.

Is divorce time consuming?

Divorces can be time-consuming and messy, and the issues in each divorce are different from one couple to the next. Because the outcome of every divorce is determined by the defendants, the attorneys, and what is at stake, it’s nearly impossible to find a standard overall cost.

What is more important than paying a lawyer?

Far more important than what you are paying your lawyer and the courts is hiring the right attorney. Do your research based on what you can afford, and find the right representation to protect what you have at stake.

How long is a mediation session?

While most mediation sessions are charged hourly, some mediators prefer to charge per session. On average, a typical mediation session will last about two hours. Of course, this timeframe will depend on the topics of discussion and whether or not any conflict is involved. The hourly rate for private meditation ranges, ...

Is divorce pleasant?

No one would ever describe the divorce process as being pleasant; neither would any spouses say on their wedding day they were planning on divorcing down the road. But divorce happens—for at least 50 percent of all first, second, and third marriages.

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 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 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 much will my divorce cost and attorney fee are questions you want to know the answers to as someone going through a divorce

1 How much will my divorce cost and attorney fee are questions you want to know the answers to as someone going through a divorce.

7 ways to reduce and keep your divorce fees low

No one divorce is the same and this is why the cost of divorce vary from one case to another. The good news is that there are some things you can do to reign the costs of your divorce which will allow you to resolve your divorce without a huge bill.

Next step? Contact us to speak with a lawyer about your case and get custom divorce fees for your case

If you still have some questions and want to speak with a lawyer regarding your divorce case, please contact us now to be connected with a family law attorney . When you call you can discuss your overall divorce costs, know how much a divorce lawyer fee will for your specific case, and your payment options.

What is divorce mediation?

Divorce mediation is a procedure that soon-to-be-separated couples opt for when they can’t resolve issues such as: 1 Property distribution 2 Child support and child custody 3 Parenting time 4 Retirement and taxes

Why do couples need a mediator?

Retirement and taxes. The couple pays a mediator to help them reach a middle ground. They visit the mediator together or have one-on-one sessions to come up with ideas that will solve their disagreements. The mediator guides couples to discuss things openly so they don’t have to go to court.

Can I get divorced without a lawyer?

The good news is that you can get divorced without a lawyerif you’re filing for an uncontested divorce. The process is straightforward, and you won’t have to go to courtto attend endless hearings. As for your divorce settlement agreement, DoNotPay can help with that.

How much does it cost to get divorced on your own?

These fees vary from state to state—and even from county to county in some states—ranging from about $100 to over $400.

Do you have to pay for mediation with a lawyer?

With or without a lawyer, you will have to pay some basic court fees, and you might have added costs for mediation (both of which are discussed below). But because people who hire lawyers are more likely to have complex cases, they're also more likely to have other expenses, such as:

Is there a wide range of divorce costs?

As should be clear by now, there's a wide range of divorce costs. And your own expenses will land near the bottom of that range only if you and your spouse can agree—without a lawyer's help—on the legal issues related to the end of your marriage, from splitting up your possessions to the arrangements for parenting and financial support.

Is mediation less expensive than collaborative divorce?

Regardless, mediation will almost certainly be less expensive than collaborative divorce (which involves paying two lawyers rather than splitting the cost of one mediator). That's true even if you hire a private mediator, and even if you consult with a lawyer during the mediation process.

Is mediation more expensive than divorce?

Regardless, mediation will almost certainly be less expensive than collaborative divorce (which involves paying two lawyers rather than splitting the cost of one mediator). That's true even if you hire a private mediator, and even if you consult with a lawyer during the mediation process.

Is it possible to predict the cost of divorce?

The final cost of your divorce will depend largely on your family's unique circumstances—as well as some important choices you make. So it's almost impossible to predict how much ...

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