how much does it cost to hire a divorce lawyer

by Avery Lowe Jr. 6 min read

The average cost to hire a divorce lawyer is roughly between $175 to $325 per hour. However, your costs may be higher or lower — it depends on several factors. For example, an uncontested divorce may cost less than a contested divorce.

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
Jul 21, 2020

Full Answer

What is the average price for a divorce lawyer?

Jun 17, 2021 · As of 2021, the average cost of a divorce lawyer is approximately $250 per hour. This baseline rate will increase as you account for other factors. Such factors include: whether you are filing for a contested or uncontested divorce, the jurisdiction in which you are filing for divorce, and the experience or reputation of the divorce lawyer whom you decide to hire (if any).

How can I afford a divorce attorney?

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 do divorce attorneys make?

Mar 11, 2021 · When you hire a divorce lawyer, you’ll have to agree to an hourly rate. Most attorneys work based on hourly rates which can be anything from $150 to $300 but averagely sit at $220 an hour. Some of the work your attorney might do by the hour can consist of phone calls, emails, court appearances, and drafting motions or other documentation.

How do attorneys charge clients for a divorce?

Feb 11, 2022 · It’s impossible to give an exact cost of a divorce, but on average, it costs around $10,000 to $20,000 to get a divorce in the United States. This cost can put a huge dent in one’s savings and personal assets. This high cost is why some couples have no choice but to remain married even when separated, and others resort to pro bono lawyers.

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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 divorce lawyer if we agree on everything?

You should have a lawyer – even if you agree on everything. You want to make sure that your divorce is done properly and completely so you don't have any surprises or unexpected issues come up at a later date if something was forgotten or left undone.Jun 30, 2020

What counts as unreasonable Behaviour for divorce?

When talking about divorce, 'unreasonable behaviour' is the term used to describe that an individual's spouse has behaved in a way that means they cannot be reasonably expected to continue living with them.Feb 21, 2021

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.

Typical Hourly Rate For Divorce Attorneys

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. Ev...

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.

Attorney Fees

When you hire a divorce lawyer, you’ll have to agree to an hourly rate. Most attorneys work based on hourly rates which can be anything from $150 to $300 but averagely sit at $220 an hour.

What Can Affect the Cost?

The cost will also heavily rely on the details of your divorce. For example, if your spouse intends on contesting child custody or doesn’t want a divorce at all, it can mean your attorney has to work harder to reach an agreement.

How to Keep Costs Low

One of the best ways to keep costs low is to hire an experienced lawyer who can get the job done quickly. Take a look at this website for more information. You may also be able to keep costs low by coming to an agreement with your spouse outside of court (also known as collaborative divorce).

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

Divorce can be a complex legal matter with multiple moving parts. Just as every relationship and marriage is unique, the same can be said for divorces.

Mediation vs. Trial

There are many steps a couple must go through in order to finalize their divorce. The longer a divorce takes to finalize, generally the more expensive it will be due to the additional legal work required to properly resolve all family law issues.

Hourly Billing

It’s standard practice that family law attorneys bill their clients hourly. While an individual may work with a single attorney on their divorce, working up the case can involve multiple law firm staff members and more junior attorneys to ensure its success.

Texas Divorce Lawyers

Divorces should not be any more complicated, stressful, or expensive than they need to be. Clients seeking a divorce lawyer trust the time and attention paid to their cases will ensure a favorable outcome, but it shouldn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

See how we can help Contact Us

Terry & Roberts serves clients throughout Brazoria County, TX including in Angleton, Pearland, Lake Jackson, Alvin, Freeport, Clute, and Manvel.

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 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.

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