According to members of AVVO, “That depends on the complexity of the case and the level of agreement between the two of you. An “Agreed Divorce” can be done as quickly as 4-6 weeks and cost a total of 1500-2000 (fees and costs) depending on the attorney. A contested divorce can generally take 6 months to 1.5 years and run each of you $2,500-$20,000 and possibly more. Your best bet is to consult with a divorce lawyer (many offer free consultations) to get the best advice on time and costs but more importantly on your rights.”
Civil Divorce Cost Not Having an Attorney
For filing for an uncontested divorce by yourself, there are options. First off, you both can submit the necessary paperwork with within the local family court. The court will then present you with the forms required, like a petition for divorce and a parenting plan, in which summarizes the care for your children. Following you filing your documents and waiting for the necessary period that is mandated by state law, you’ll present yourself in front of a judge to finalize your divorce. Be sure that you understand the laws in your state when finishing your forms for divorce, like spousal maintenance, child support and property allocation.
Additionally, you have the alternative to file for an uncontested divorce through online services. Usually, these services will give you assistance throughout the process for the completion and filing the required documentation for divorce necessitated by your state. Check with your state laws to verify that filing for a divorce online is allowed.
Filing for an uncontested divorce on your own, without an attorney help, is the most inexpensive course. You will have an approximated $300 fee for filing the paperwork within the court, it doesn’t matter if you file on your own or with the aid of a web-based service. Using web-based service to aid you, costs may range between $150 to $1,500 subject to the service used and your particular circumstance, as well as any filing fees.
Civil Divorce Cost Having an Attorney
Opting for legal representation can be advantageous in a divorce, particularly in complex cases or when there’s mutual agreement on specific issues. However, it’s essential to note that each spouse must have their own attorney. The attorney plays a crucial role in negotiating aspects such as property allocation, child custody, and debt settlement. Once all necessary paperwork is filed, the attorney will accompany you to court, presenting your case for final resolution.
In uncontested divorces where both parties agree, attorney expenses are generally lower. However, in contested or intricate cases, fees may escalate. Typically, a retainer of $2,500 – $5,000 is required, with ongoing charges deducted until exhausted. If additional services are needed, another retainer may be requested, or hourly charges between $150 and $400 may apply. The decision to hire an attorney hinges on the complexity of your case and your willingness to cover associated costs.
Source
- Kiesewetter, J. (2019, May 08). The Average Cost of an Uncontested Divorce. Retrieved September 15, 2020, from https://info.legalzoom.com/article/average-cost-uncontested-divorce
- AVVO. (2016, January 05). How much does a civil divorce typically cost and how long does it normally take to get divorced. https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/how-much-does-a-civil-divorce-typically-cost-and-h-2458500.html