Divorces can span over a wide spectrum of legal affairs. No one can provide an absolute answer for everyone on how expensive a divorce really is. Costs differ based on a lot of components. Some general guides are:
- A contested divorce will typically be pricier than an uncontested one
- A peaceful divorce where both members are willing to compromise will be cheaper than one with conflicting sides
- If underage children are a factor than the divorce will typically be more expensive
- Disagreements on property divisions will likely lead to a pricier divorce
- If one divorcee is asking for financial aid, the costs may rise
Predicting Costs
Attorneys’ billing rates differ, with some asking for payment hourly and setting a flat fee in exchange for legal duties done. A large portion of lawyers will set a fee hourly for labor that is uncertain in how it will go. Flat fees are normally issued for basic jobs with an outlined scope, such as will documentation.
The simplest of divorces– those being uncontested and without support or custody conflicts, may be handled by an attorney for only a flat fee. Also if an attorney is only hired for a specific portion of your divorce–like looking over custody arrangements– then an initial payment may be worked out. Any divorce that’s going to be a more complex process will probably have an attorney asking for an hourly payment.
That said rate will differ based on multiple components, such as your attorney’s skill, the kind of legal jobs being done, and the section of the region you reside in. Rates issued hourly can be anywhere from one-hundred dollars hourly, depending on the job being done and where you live, to the standard multiple hundreds of dollars. Remember that less expensive doesn’t automatically imply “greater.” An attorney with greater skill will possibly finish work at a faster pace than one with less skill or knowledge in the area, who’s asking for a smaller rate.
Following getting a better feel of your circumstances, a lawyer you’re thinking of working with should have an good prediction of how expensive your divorce will be.
A few attorneys will request you pay a prior payment, known as a retainer after they’re hired. This payment is left in a unique trust account where any of your legal costs will be withdrawn from as they accumulate. Most of the time, retainers cannot be refunded so make sure you’re confident of your lawyer before hiring.
Filing costs and various expenses
Along with your legal costs, there is also a mandatory fee for filing a divorce. This cost changes by location, but normally centers around one-hundred to one-hundred forty dollars.
Your attorney should give you a prediction of what other costs you could face. These differ depending on the case, and may involve:
- Mediator and financial keeper cost, if called for
- Paper copying, scanning, and shipping costs
- Sole child custody analyst, if called for
- Costs of traveling, if called for
Managing Costs
If you’re on a snug financial plan, you’ll likely desire to take every action you can to reduce divorce-affiliated expenses. Don’t find any shame in talking about your money circumstances with your attorney and whether or not your finances are limited. Your lawyer could offer practical methods to aid in trimming expenses throughout the process.
It’s good to keep in mind that if your attorney requires hourly payments, each time you message your attorney will call for a fee. Study on the topic you’re questioning by yourself first before messaging your attorney. You may also want to track your minor questions on a list so that you can ask your attorney after you have multiple compiled.
It’s also possible for you to ask for your partner to take care of a few or the entirety of your legal fees. On the chance that your spouse says no, you can also see if the judge will command them to pay off your costs. This has been especially prevalent when one partner is in a higher financial situation than the other.
Contact us at 310.956.4600 for a 30-minutes free consultation on any divorce related topic.
Farbod Majd Esq.
Divorce Attorney w/ offices in Beverly Hills/Los Angeles
Services in English, Turkish, and Farsi/Persian (Iranian/American Lawyer)
8383 Wilshire Blvd Suite 646, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310.956.4600 | Fax: 310.878.8989 | [email protected]