why do you need an expensive divorce attorney

by Gage Stark 6 min read

If you ask any lawyer why divorce is so expensive s/he will tell you that it’s because conflict costs money. The more you and your spouse fight, the more your divorce will cost. But, saying that fighting is what drives up the cost of divorce is like saying that eating the wrong foods will make you fat.

The cost of divorce lawyers is typically high because they tend to handle every aspect of your case. With unbundled legal help, you hire a divorce lawyer to help you with specific parts of your case while you handle the rest.Mar 23, 2022

Full Answer

Should I hire a lawyer for my divorce?

Sep 07, 2016 · Divorce trials occur when there are issues in the divorce that the divorcing couple cannot agree on. Trial, therefore, is the most expensive option. If you need to take your divorce to trial, you want your attorney to be well-prepared. Understand, however, that your attorney can spend weeks preparing for trial.

Why are divorces so expensive?

Every divorce is different, but the overarching reasons behind why a divorce may become prolonged and expensive might be somewhat similar from case to case. Fierce conflict, deeply-rooted disputes, and a lack of cooperation can put both divorcing parties at risk for spending more money and more time to resolve various matters.

How much does it cost to hire a divorce attorney?

Depending on where you live, divorce can cost more than $25,000 when you hire an attorney. If you can't afford an attorney, you can call your local legal aid office to see if you qualify for assistance. Most legal aid programs have limited resources, so you might only have the opportunity to speak with an attorney over the phone.

Do I need a lawyer to get a divorce settlement agreement?

Jun 21, 2016 · Why is Divorce So Expensive? Because you don’t follow these tips! - Read the Divorce legal blogs that have been posted by Cindy S. Vova on Lawyers.com

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What is the most expensive part of a divorce?

Generally, contentious divorces that require a trial are more expensive than amicable splits settled out of court. Divorce costs also go up when children are involved....How much does it cost to get a divorce? 10 states with the highest price tags.Rank1StateCaliforniaAvg. cost$17,500Avg. cost w/ kids$26,3009 more columns•Nov 26, 2018

Do you know why divorce is so expensive?

Willie Nelson Quotes You know why divorces are so expensive? They're worth it.

How much does it cost to get a divorce 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 money does wife get in divorce?

In general, the wife gets one-third of his salary; but it can change. The alimony is the full and final settlement; it is a lump sum amount. Maintenance can be interim maintenance, which is the amount given to the wife during the course of the case.Nov 19, 2020

Suggestions for Controlling the Cost of Divorce

We’ve all seen the headlines – high profile actors, business-people, and movie-stars settling divorces for millions - or even hundreds of millions - of dollars. It begs the question – why does it cost so much?

The Average Cost of Divorce in Florida

According to lawyers.com, divorce in Florida costs an average of $13,500, including almost $11,000 in attorneys’ fees, and lasts 15 months.

2. Be Clear On Who Is Paying for What

Sometimes people assume their spouse will be footing the bill for all the attorney’s fees, only to find out in the end that this may not the case. In trying to control costs, remember that the bigger the proverbial pie, the more money you and your soon-to-be-ex spouse will have to divide. Ultimately, that means more money for you.

3. More Complicated Divorce Is More Expensive

Couples with a relatively simple financial situation can often get away with a relatively inexpensive divorce. The more complicated your financial situation, the more costly your divorce is likely to be.

4. Arguments Cost Money

The more you and your spouse can agree on, the less money you will spend. Of course, you’re getting divorced for a reason, so some amount of acrimony is to be expected. But too many clients come in looking for an overly-aggressive attorney.

What is the best way to handle a divorce?

Collaborative Practice. Another alternative method for handling a divorce is through collaborative practice. In this option, both parties each have their own lawyer, and all four individuals met on various occasions to discuss and settle on the terms of the divorce.

How does divorce affect children?

More than money, divorce can quickly cost all family members on many other levels. Parenting conflict often comes with an emotional cost that can have a major impact on the whole family, especially children. To a child, their parents' divorce might feel like the end of their family.

Why is it important to communicate after a divorce?

If parties can find a way to communicate clearly during and after their divorce is settled, they may have more success in settling disputes and reducing divorce costs for everyone involved . This is especially important for parents who will continue sharing the responsibility of raising their children together.

What is a mediator in a divorce?

A mediator acts as a neutral third-party that helps divorcing parties discuss and reach agreements on all sorts of matters. At times, mediators may be court-appointed, or you can enlist the services of a private mediator.

Is mediation good for divorce?

Divorce is hard, and each party involved wants to do the best they can to protect themselves and the things that they value. If the parties believe that they can stay peaceful but are having trouble finalizing some issues, mediation can be a great option.

Do you have to pay a retainer for divorce?

You may have paid a retainer, though it is possible for costs to go beyond that the more you require their assistance. You'll probably end up paying even more on your divorce in the future if you need to take your case back to court at a later date.

What to talk about when you divorce your spouse?

When you and your spouse decide to divorce, if you can communicate, try to talk about each of your ideal outcomes for child custody, visitation, child support, property division, and alimony.

What is collaborative divorce?

In collaborative practice, both sides agree to share information voluntarily and work towards a settlement. In order to use this process, your spouse will need to agree to a collaborative divorce and hire a collaborative lawyer as well.

Can you represent yourself in divorce?

Although you might feel like you can represent yourself in your divorce, when one side has an attorney and the other doesn't, it often results in the unrepresented party walking away without a fair deal. Do yourself a favor, hire an attorney and level the playing field.

Is divorce pleasant?

Do yourself a favor, hire an attorney and level the playing field. Although no divorce is pleasant, some are outright unbearable, especially if the other party in your case is hiding assets, destroying property, wasting marital funds, or threatening you with physical or financial ruin for filing for divorce.

Can a divorce be settled on your own?

Although divorce is one of the most complex and emotional legal processes in family law, not all couples require in-depth court assistance to end their marriage. If you and your spouse are on the same page about what you want for your family, you may be able to negotiate a divorce settlement on your own.

How long does it take to get divorced?

An uncontested divorce procedure usually takes a few weeks since the spouses don’t have to spend too much time in court. The divorce process requires you to complete various steps mainly revolving around paperwork. Take a look at the following table to see what steps you should take when filing for a divorce: Steps.

Is contested divorce longer than uncontested divorce?

If you choose to get a contested divorce, the procedure will be longer than when getting an uncontested one. Here’s how they differ: Contested divorce —Spouses disagree on divorce matters and choose to let the court decide about property division, child support, and similar.

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