how much is a divorce lawyer cost

by Dr. Mose McCullough 10 min read

Average Fees for a Divorce Lawyer It is typical for new lawyers to charge $100+/hour and experienced attorneys to charge $300+/hour. You can expect to see outlier pricing that ranges from $30 to $500/hour as well.

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 · 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 is $15,000 with a divorce lawyer costing aronud $250 per hour. Hiring a divorce lawyer for representation, you will likely spend between $100 and $650 an hour. The price of a divorce attorney can vary greatly.

How much is it to hire an attorney for divorce?

Our survey showed an average rate of $270 an hour for divorce lawyers across the United States, but individual rates varied a lot. Although nearly seven in ten people (69%) paid between $200 and $300 an hour, about one in ten (11%) paid $100 per hour, and two in ten (20%) paid $400 or more.

What is the average retainer fee for a divorce lawyer?

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. That's not including court fees …

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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.

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.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost?

Let’s get right to it. A divorce attorney could cost about $250 an hour. There are a number of factors that make up the cost of divorce.

Flat Fee vs. Hourly Rate

You’ll find that attorneys will charge a flat rate or they’ll charge an hourly rate. Flat fees can be as low as $500 for a very basic divorce with no assets.

Finding a Good Divorce Lawyer

Now that you know what to expect to pay, how do you find a good divorce attorney? Start by asking around. You’re bound to get a few good referrals.

The Cost of a Divorce

It’s unfortunate that many marriages end up in divorce. With a good divorce attorney for men, you can make sure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

How much does it cost to get divorced?

The cost of getting divorced—utilizing the services of a lawyer—varies from several thousand to many thousands of dollars. Lawyers often charge by the hour, but fees vary depending on where you live. For example, a divorce in New York City will cost more than a divorce in Vermont.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost?

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.

What is unbundled legal services?

Unbundled legal services occur when you use a lawyer for just part of your divorce. Also known as limited scope representation, this allows you to decide what part of the divorce you want your lawyer to handle. Keep in mind that lawyers charge for: Phone calls. Writing and reviewing emails and text messages.

How to save money on divorce?

A good way to save money on your divorce is to do your divorce without a lawyer. In many states, this means being pro se. In California, if you file on your own behalf, you're pro per. If you have an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse can create your own agreement.

How much does mediation cost?

Mediation, however, can still cost anywhere from several thousand dollars to $9,000, depending on how involved it is. Collaborative divorce is cheaper than a divorce that goes to trial. Collaborative divorce requires that each party get an attorney.

Is legal separation as expensive as divorce?

In many cases, a legal separation is as expensive as a divorce. Discuss this with your lawyer to see if there's any advantage to getting separated, or if your state requires a legal separation before divorce. Get help with divorce LEARN MORE. About the Author.

What are the requirements for a divorce?

In every state, a variety of factors will change the hours required to negotiate and find a divorce agreement such as: 1 Child custody 2 Amount of property 3 Tax advice 4 Alimony (spousal support)

What is alimony in divorce?

Alimony (spousal support) Consider how complex your divorce is when estimating how much it might cost. If you and your spouse own a lot of property and don't agree on its division, for example, you are looking at a longer and more costly divorce. The same is often true in divorces with children.

What is the difference between an uncontested divorce and a contested divorce?

Cost Difference Between Uncontested and Contested Divorce. An uncontested divorce (or an amicable divorce that uses mediation) will typically cost less. An uncontested divorce is possible if you can negotiate together and agree on big-ticket items such as who keeps the house.

Can I get divorced if I can't afford it?

While the costs seem high, an important takeaway is that divorce is still attainable. Do not refuse to get a divorce just because you cannot afford it. You may be able to reduce costs by: Asking your attorney for an affordable payment plan. Discussing tactics to reduce time in court with your attorney.

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