What Are the Chances of Getting an Attorney Fee in Family Divorce?

When you’re going through a divorce, it’s easy to get caught up in the drama and emotions of the situation. It’s also easy to become too caught up in the details of the case and lose sight of what matters most. That’s why it is important to hire a good lawyer who will take the time to explain the fees involved in your case and how they work to you upfront. 

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The chances of getting attorney fees in your family divorce depends on several factors, including whether one party is a dependent spouse and the disposable income of that spouse. Additionally, the judge will take into account a number of other factors when determining an appropriate award of attorney fees. 

If you’re a dependent spouse, you may be able to petition the court to request an award of attorney fees from your former spouse. This is typically done as early in the case as possible to ensure that you can retain quality legal counsel for the rest of the proceedings. 

In many cases, a dependent spouse who is entitled to alimony or other post-separation support will also qualify for an award of attorney fees. These spouses are usually responsible for paying their own attorneys, but the court can make an exception in some cases. 

When there is a significant disparity in income between the parties, the courts will not usually award attorney’s fees to the higher earning spouse. However, if there is a significant disparity in property or other assets, the court can still order one spouse to pay a portion of the other’s attorney’s fees as a way to level the playing field. 

Another factor that can impact your chance of getting attorney fees in a divorce is how well you conduct yourself in court. If you engage in unnecessary litigation that costs money and is not useful, the judge can award your former spouse a substantial amount of attorney’s fees as a way to punish you for your actions. 

Similarly, if you act in bad faith by delaying and dragging out the proceedings, the judge may award your former spouse a substantial amount of money to compensate for the time that he or she spent defending you. 

A skilled attorney can help you avoid wasting your money by being respectful and courteous in the courtroom. She can also advise you when it is worth it to stand your ground and when it is likely to be in your best interest to compromise. 

Your divorce is a major life event, and you should not try to save money by representing yourself in court. Your attorney has experience with family law issues that can make a huge difference in how your case plays out. 

The cost of a family law case is often very high, and the fees you will pay are not typically just “one-time.” They can continue to accumulate as your divorce progresses, and it can be difficult to recoup those fees once the final settlement is made.