How Much Is a Court Divorce Attorney Going to Charge?
The cost of hiring a divorce attorney will vary depending on the complexity of your case, as well as your state and county. Some attorneys charge per hour, while others offer flat fees that cover everything from filing your paperwork to negotiating child custody and property distribution.
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A divorce attorney may also bill you for a court filing fee, and if you need an in-court appearance or have a complicated financial situation, you may be required to pay more. Lawyers who work out of a big city tend to charge higher rates than those in smaller towns and cities.
Filing fees for a divorce vary from state to state and from county to county but are usually about $100 to $300 or more. They typically include the initial filing, answering a petition, or responding to an objection.
If you have an uncontested divorce, you can often save a substantial amount of money by using a paralegal or online service to prepare your divorce paperwork. This will involve filling out the necessary forms and filing them at your local courthouse, but will not include any time spent arguing your case in court.
It is always best to hire a qualified attorney who has extensive experience with your specific type of case. Choosing the right person can make a huge difference in how smoothly your divorce goes.
Regardless of your divorce attorney’s price, keep in mind that the outcome of your divorce will have long-term consequences. A good attorney will be able to walk you through the process of getting a fair outcome that is both legally sound and in your best interests.
Fault Divorces
The most common fault ground for a divorce in New York is adultery, but this isn’t always enough to get you a divorce. If one spouse engages in bad behavior or refuses to cooperate with the other, a judge will often find them at fault and order them to pay some or all of the other party’s attorney’s fees.
Many people who choose to allege fault in their divorces end up with much more expensive, complex cases than those who choose to go through no-fault divorce. This is because alleging fault can lead to more litigation, more paperwork, and more time for an attorney to devote to your case.
In addition, it’s important to remember that the court will consider both parties’ income when determining custody or child support. You need to ensure your attorney understands how these factors affect your child’s custody arrangement, and that he or she can use this information to your advantage.
You can also use the services of companies that specialize in helping to resolve complex divorce issues such as child support or custody, and if you do, they may be able to reduce your costs significantly.
It’s also possible to ask your attorney for a flat fee, rather than a per-hour rate, which can save you money in the long run. However, some lawyers prefer a retainer, so be sure to check their policies.