how much should a divorce attorney cost in denver

by Annie Kuphal II 9 min read

The average cost for a divorce in Denver is $14,500, with $11,400 of that coming from attorneys’ fees. Specific issues may complicate a divorce, increasing the total cost. Once hired, most attorneys in Denver ask for a retainer, which is an upfront payment from which the lawyer draws hourly costs and other fees.

On average, Colorado divorce lawyers charge between $230 and $280 per hour. Average total costs for Colorado divorce lawyers are $11,000 to $11,700 but are typically significantly lower in cases with no contested issues.Jul 22, 2020

Full Answer

How much does a divorce attorney cost in Colorado?

When you are trying to figure out the cost of divorce, it makes sense to consider what you will pay an attorney. The average Colorado divorce attorney fees are $11,400, depending on your needs. Still, an accurate estimate can’t be given until a lawyer evaluates your circumstances. At South Denver Law, we don’t charge anything for your initial consultation.

How much does it cost to hire a divorce lawyer?

Mar 26, 2020 · The cost of a divorce attorney in Denver The average hourly rate for a divorce lawyer in Denver is $270, though rates vary based on the attorney’s experience. The average cost for a divorce in Denver is $14,500, with $11,400 of that coming from attorneys’ fees.

How much does a contested divorce cost?

Nov 20, 2018 · Getting a divorce in Colorado costs $14,500 on average, according to a study conducted by Martindale-Nolo Research. High-net-worth couples, however, tend to have more expensive processes and end up paying $37,000 on average. The average divorce attorney fee rounds up to $11,400, though top divorce lawyers in Colorado may charge above that …

What is the average cost of a divorce in California?

May 30, 2019 · Should you decide to retain, our attorneys generally bill at an hourly rate of $325/hr, paralegal $175/hr, and legal assistant $95/hr. (These rates are subject to change based on the date and conditions of the case). Our retainers generally start at $3,500 and vary based on the complexity of the case. Flat fees are available in some cases.

image

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Denver?

The cost of filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in Colorado is $230.00. The cost of filing a petition for allocation of parental rights (custody case when the parties are not married) is $225.00.

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 you need a lawyer to get a divorce in Colorado?

You don't need to hire a lawyer to get an uncontested divorce in Colorado, and you can represent yourself during the process. Spouses can try to handle everything themselves or use an online service that eases the process.

Is it better to divorce or separate?

Separation can allow you to tackle various aspects of the divorce process, such as establishing a child custody arrangement and dividing marital property, more calmly. Without court fees and timelines hovering over their heads, spouses may find navigating these legal disputes significantly easier during separation.Sep 14, 2020

How long does a divorce take from start to finish?

On average, it takes 12 months to complete a divorce, from filing the divorce petition to finalizing the judgment. If the case goes to trial, the average time is about 18 months. The average cost of divorce in 2019 was $12,900, which includes $11,300 in attorney's fees and about $1,600 in other expenses.Oct 19, 2021

How fast can you get divorced in Colorado?

In Colorado, it takes a minimum of 91 days for the court to grant a divorce, starting from the filing of the initial petition. This is the quickest possible timeframe. Usually, certain family matters such as division of property and domestic disputes delay proceedings.Jul 23, 2019

How long after divorce can you remarry in Colorado?

91 daysColorado only has a waiting period for divorce, which is 91 days after the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage. There is no limit on when you can get married after you are officially divorced.

How much does a divorce attorney cost in Colorado?

On average, Colorado divorce lawyers charge between $230 and $280 per hour. Average total costs for Colorado divorce lawyers are $11,000 to $11,700 but are typically significantly lower in cases with no contested issues.Jul 22, 2020

How much does a divorce attorney cost in Denver?

The average cost for a divorce in Denver is $14,500, with $11,400 of that coming from attorneys’ fees. Specific issues may complicate a divorce, increasing the total cost.

What is the best way to represent you in a divorce?

Choosing a divorce attorney to represent you is one of the most crucial choices you make during the legal process. Affordability is important, but you should also consider experience and whether the attorney has expertise in issues likely to arise in your case, including child custody or division of property.

Is Colorado a no fault divorce state?

Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, so the spouse filing for divorce does not need to prove grounds other than the marriage is irretrievably broken. If the other spouse does not agree, the court may choose to hear about the marriage situation from both parties.

What is an uncontested divorce?

Uncontested divorces, which are cases when the spouses agree on the divorce settlement, are generally straightforward. These cases do not require the court to decide any aspects of the divorce, which simplifies the process.

What is a litigated divorce?

A litigated divorce is when both sides present their argument before a judge in court. The judge makes binding decisions on the final divorce settlement. Litigation is the most time-consuming and expensive option to determine a divorce settlement.

How much does it cost to get divorced in Colorado?

Getting a divorce in Colorado costs $14,500 on average, according to a study conducted by Martindale-Nolo Research. High-net-worth couples, however, tend to have more expensive processes and end up paying $37,000 on average.

Is Colorado a no fault state?

Colorado is a “no fault” state. You will not have to bear additional costs associated with proving adultery or any other legal ground for obtaining a divorce. A couple wishing to divorce must state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. "No fault" also means that one spouse may obtain a divorce whether or not the other party agrees to it or not. There is no need to obtain consent from a spouse or the courts to get a divorce.

Is there an attorney fee for divorce in Colorado?

The truth is, attorneys fees are only one thing to consider when attempting to predict the price of a divorce in the state of Colorado. There are other costs that one or both parties will have to absorb. These include:

Is a high net worth divorce more expensive?

Several factors can make a high net worth divorce more complex, thus more costly. The first thing to consider is the existence of any pre or post-nuptial agreements. These are almost always a good thing to have in a high-net-worth marriage. However, if they are challenged in the divorce proceedings, things can get more expensive.

Why are divorces so expensive?

Couples often run into disagreements about one or more issues in their divorce, especially: child custody and support. alimony, and. the division of marital property and debts. These disputes—and how they’re resolved— are the principal reason some divorces are more costly than others.

What is sticker shock?

No doubt, it would help in your planning to know what to expect in terms of the cost of divorce where you live, as well as how you might be able to keep those costs down.

What factors affect the cost of divorce?

Some of the factors that affect the cost of divorce include; mediation, alimony, child custody evaluation, the place where divorce papers are being filled and the local filling charges, child custody, the lawyers’ hourly rate versus a retainer charge, and if the divorce is contested or uncontested.

How much does a family lawyer cost?

Generally, family lawyer bills are approximately $150-$250 per hour or more depending on their location. Some lawyers might charge as high as $650 per hour to assist individuals through certain thorny divorces such as couples with complex assets, extensive assets, and those who own businesses.

Is divorce messy?

The divorce process can be messy and time-consuming, and the problems in each divorce are varying from one couple to the other. Because the result of each divorce is determined by what is at stake, the lawyers, and defendants, it is quite impossible to get an average cost. If you get a lawyer providing representation for a standard rate, ...

What is retainer fee?

A retainer fee is an upfront payment paid by the customer before the performance of any legal task. A retainer fee acts as a down payment to secure the lawyer you hire and ensures payment for when the whole process is complete. It covers the charges for upcoming hours billed.

How much does it cost to file for divorce?

Divorces need filing fees which vary by state, ranging between $70 and $350. Filing fees are usually included in the initial retainer for lawyers, which covers their time from filing the divorce papers to establishing the temporary order hearing.

Can I hire a lawyer for divorce?

If your divorce is straightforward and simple, you may hire a lawyer to represent you for a flat fee. However, that lawyer will usually only charge a flat fee is you are filing for an uncontested divorce. If unforeseen issues come up, you’re likely to incur extra charges.

What to ask before hiring a divorce lawyer?

Before hiring a divorce lawyer, inquire about the total approximated cost of filing for divorce, including legal fees and filing charges. If your concern is about your capability of paying, speak to your divorce lawyer about the alternatives. Ask your partner to pay your legal charges. If your partner has more money than you do, ...

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.

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 ...

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 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.

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, ...

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

image