How Much Does a Divorce Cost?
Divorce costs vary greatly, but by explaining your circumstances, you can receive a rough estimate of how much you’ll need to spend.
“How much will my divorce cost?” is one of the most common inquiries people have when learning about divorce.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward solution. The fees will vary depending on whether you and your spouse agree on the principal issues and whether or not you will need the assistance of an attorney.
There are ways to get a divorce without spending a lot of money.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost?
Average Cost Of A Divorce?
The term “average divorce cost” describes how much a divorce costs on average. Several factors influence whether the expense of divorce is on a high or low end of the scale. A divorce’s cost is influenced by several factors, including:
- Whether you’ll use a lawyer for the entirety of your divorce or only a portion of it • Whether you have children
- Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring someone to do it for you
- Whether you’re filing for divorce in person or online
- Whether you’re going through a collaborative or mediation divorce
- Whether you and your spouse agree on major issues
- Whether or if you need to go to court
What Is the Cost of Divorce If Both Parties Agree?
You can keep the costs of a divorce minimal if you both agree on the main issues; this is known as an uncontested divorce. Costs may be under $500 if you prepare your divorce paperwork and your divorce is amicable. Of course, all states have filing fees, which add to the expense. You must pay filing fees unless you receive a waiver depending on your income.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost?
How Much Does a Lawyer-Assisted Divorce Cost?
The cost of getting divorced (with the help of a lawyer) ranges from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Lawyers frequently bill by the hour, although rates differ based on where you live. A divorce in New York City, for example, will cost more than a divorce in Vermont. Hourly charges might be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $500.
Keep in mind that lawyers bill for the following services:
- Making phone calls
- Email and text message writing and review
- Getting ready for court
- Depositions and discovery preparation
- Paper preparation and review
- Doing legal research
You and your lawyer can also agree that you will only pay for some services, not others. You can, for example, agree to pay for paper preparation and review but not for phone conversations and emails. • If you only need a lawyer to evaluate paperwork, you can save tens of thousands of dollars.
If you have a hearing or a trial, the expense rises dramatically, from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Several expert witnesses may be required at points throughout trials. This is why most divorces are settled out of court, as trials are typically prohibitively expensive.
If you have children, your costs will rise even more since you will have to deal with extra concerns such as custody, visitation, and child support.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost?
What Does Divorce Without a Lawyer Cost?
Divorce without a lawyer is an excellent strategy to save money on your divorce. In many places, this entails acting on one’s behalf. You’re pro per in California if you file on your behalf.
You and your spouse can draft your agreement if your divorce is uncontested. Divorce paperwork can be prepared online for a fee, and some companies even have lawyers examine them for you. If you receive them online, filing fees, serving the papers, and the cost of divorce documents are all included in your expenditures.
The paperwork is normally free if you can receive a divorce packet from your court or through your state’s website.
How Much Does Mediation or Collaborative Divorce Cost in a Divorce?
If you choose mediation over a trial, the average cost of a divorce is substantially lower. Mediation is when you and your spouse meet with a neutral third party to address difficulties. On the other hand, mediation can cost anything from a few thousand dollars to $9,000, depending on the level of involvement.
Divorce through collaboration is less expensive than a divorce through litigation. Each side must hire their counsel in a collaborative divorce. You, your spouse, and the two attorneys will meet in an office to reach an agreement, generally over numerous meetings. Despite the presence of attorneys, you can avoid the costs of litigation if the talks end in an agreement.
What Is the Price of a Legal Divorce?
A legal separation might cost as much as a divorce in certain situations. Consult your lawyer to discover if becoming separated has any benefits or if your state needs a formal separation before divorce. Let us know in the comments what do you think about divorce costs nowadays…
