how much is the common attorney fee for divorce with children

by Prof. Angelita Kemmer 7 min read

Key findings

  • The average (mean) cost of a divorce is $12,900.
  • 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.
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Full Answer

How much does it cost to file for divorce in New York State?

The initial filing fee to get a divorce in New York is $210 (as of 2020). There are also additional costs like notary services and mailing fees as the process goes on. If you don't have enough income to pay for the fee, you might qualify for a fee waiver.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in New York?

What Am I Entitled to in a Divorce in NY? Under New York's equitable distribution laws, only your “marital property” will be divided during a divorce in NY. This means that you and your spouse will get to keep any separate property that was brought into the marriage.

How much does a uncontested divorce cost in NY?

An uncontested divorce costs at least $335 in total court and filing fees. This does not include the cost of a lawyer, photocopies, notary fees, transportation, mailing, process server fees, etc.

How much is a divorce lawyer in NY?

On average, New York divorce lawyers charge between $305 and $380 per hour. Average total costs for divorce lawyers range from $13,000 to $16,000 but tend to be lower in cases with no contested issues and no trial.

Who gets the house in a divorce with children?

With all this in mind, the answer to who gets the house is still complicated, it depends on each individual circumstances. In general, the court will always put the needs of your children first, and that most commonly means the parent with full-time custody will be the one preferred to stay in the existing family home.

How many years do you have to be married to get alimony in NY?

Typically, in New York, the court will determine the duration of alimony by using the following guidelines: Marriages lasting 0-15 years, support should last 15%-30% of the length of the marriage. Marriages that lasted more than 15 years to 20 years, support should last 30%-40% of the length of the marriage, or.

How much is child support in NY?

17% for one child. 25% for two children. 29% for three children. 31% for four children.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in NY?

one yearHow long do you have to be separated before you can file for divorce in NY? The grounds in which you file for divorce in New York determine how long you have to be separated from your spouse before filing. For a “no-fault” divorce, you must be separated from your spouse for at least one year.

What are the five stages of divorce?

There are two processes in divorce. The emotional process can be broken down into 5 stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in NY?

It generally does not matter who files first in a New York divorce case. The filing spouse does not get an advantage to "set the rules" of the divorce. New York courts apply principles that do not favor one party over the other.

How long does divorce mediation take in NY?

How Long Does It Take To Get a Divorce Through MediationHow Long Does It Take To Get a Divorce Through MediationStep 2 – Stipulation of Settlement4-5 weeks, including Spouse editsStep 3 – Divorce PacketA few daysStep 4 – Judge's Signature3 to 6 months depending on Long Island County, Nassau or Suffolk2 more rows

How long does a contested divorce take in NY?

A contested divorce in NY lasts about 9 months to a year, on average. Different divorce cases can differ in duration for a variety of reasons. I have been involved in cases that have taken years before a judgment of divorce was signed, and some colleagues have even been involved in decade long divorces.

How are assets divided in a divorce in NY?

Under New York's divorce laws, courts only divide marital property, and spouses gets to keep their separate property. Marital property includes all property acquired by either or both spouses during the marriage, regardless of who bought it.

Does adultery affect divorce in NY?

Many New Yorkers are often surprised to learn that, although for a long time adultery was the only grounds for the granting of a divorce in New York, today it is one of the least effective ways to try and get out of a marriage, even if your spouse is cheating right in front of you or in public.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in NY?

It generally does not matter who files first in a New York divorce case. The filing spouse does not get an advantage to "set the rules" of the divorce. New York courts apply principles that do not favor one party over the other.

How is alimony calculated in NY?

For marriages from 0 to 15 years, it is 15-30% of the duration of the marriage. If you've got a 10-year marriage, it would be 1.5 to 3 years of maintenance. If you have a 15-20-year marriage, it is 30-40% of the duration of the marriage. And more than 20 years, it is 35-50% of the duration of the marriage.