how much does an attorney charge for an uncontested divorce

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. The average hourly rate for a divorce attorney is $270.

Full Answer

How to get a quick divorce?

If you choose to hire an attorney for an uncontested divorce, the cost will be less than a contested divorce. However, the more complex your case is, or if you do have a contested case, then your attorney fees will increase. Typically, you'll need to pay your divorce attorney a retainer, or a down payment, of $2,500 - $5,000.

How much does a divorce really cost in California?

For example, in Maricopa County, two filing fees are required in every divorce case: • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage – $349. • Response/Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage – $274. Luckily, if your divorce is uncontested, you will likely only need to pay the two filing fees for the initial Petition and Response.

What is the average cost of a divorce?

Oct 11, 2021 · An uncontested DIY divorce could cost $300. For a messy, high-stakes parting, add zeros . When the nuptial knot frays, average divorce costs add up to several thousand. So how much does divorce cost, really? Specifically, $13,000, on average, when a full-service lawyer handles the split, Nolo found.

What to look for in a good divorce lawyer?

Jul 15, 2021 · Other Divorce Costs and Attorney Fees. Alabama. $ 400 ($50 administrative fee included) Average fees: $10,000. Alaska. $ 250 (additional $75 fee to file a modification for child custody, visitation, or support, or for spousal maintenance or property division) Average fees: $10,000+. Arizona.

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.

How much is the cheapest divorce?

Filing for an uncontested divorce yourself, without the aid of an attorney, is the cheapest route. You'll have approximately a $300 fee to file your documents with the court, whether you file yourself or with the help of an online service.

Which is much better annulment or divorce?

Although most couples choose divorce, an annulment is a better option for one or both spouses under certain circumstances. Legal annulments are rare, and the consequences of an annulment differ significantly from the effects of a divorce.Aug 3, 2020

How long do you have to be married to get alimony?

Marriages of 5 years or less — Alimony can't be required for more than 50 percent of the number of months you were married. For example, if you were married for 60 months, you could be ordered to pay or receive alimony for up to 30 months.

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 wealth does divorce cause?

And some older studies have shown that divorce causes an average 77% drop in wealth.

How many people ended their marriages in 2018?

Despite that drop in the rate, this still means hundreds of thousands of people per year end a marriage -- 782,038 in 2018.

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.

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.

Understanding divorce lawyer fees

The divorce process is one that always comes with an infinite amount of questions.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost?

In uncontested divorce cases, we plan on doing the vast majority of the work outside of the courtroom, and with any luck, you will never get there.

How much does a contested divorce cost?

In contested divorce cases, the flat rate we offer includes an intake meeting, the drafting of all documents, four hours of attorney time, and appearance at the first hearing.

What is a divorce lawyer retainer?

The other way to do divorce, and the more traditional way (which we also offer) is to put down what is called a retainer, which is funds deposited in your attorney’s trust account.

Should I hire a cheap divorce attorney?

Looking for a cheap divorce lawyer is rarely your best option; just as a discount surgeon is probably not who you want operating on you.