Moshier Law is here to help you resolve your legal matters. Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation in person or by phone. The cost of a legal separation can range from less than $1,000 for an amicable case settled by a separation agreement, to well over $100,000 for fiercely contested issues involving conflicts for child custody, alimony and the settlement of a complex marital property. The total cost of many cases, however, changes upon many important conditions. The complete cost of legal separation will depend on several conditions:
Geographical Location
In larger cities such as Nashville, TN, the costs of legal separation will be higher. Location is nearly as essential in establishing the cost of a legal separation like it is in the real estate industry. Divorce attorneys and third-party specialists like accountants, psychologists, and P.I.’s face higher operational costs in larger cities than in suburban areas, and these costs are passed on to their clients. Additionally, urban areas are inclined to have larger concentrations of higher-income clients with complicated legal issues, which puts increases the legal fees.
Attorney Fees
These are probably the most costly part of getting divorced. Attorney fees make up the most considerable part of the general costs of divorce. Rates charged by divorce lawyers differ based on location, level of experience, and degree of expertise, with skilled domestic relation professionals in large cities charging the most. A few lawyers work for a flat fee, while some charge by the hour. Rates in a family law case range from around $125 per hour or less for a new law school graduate, to well over $400 per hour for a knowledgeable and experienced professional.
Third-Party Fees
Cases that need third-party involvement, such as that of a property appraiser, tend to be more expensive. Cases that require the service of third-party professionals will cost thousands more than easier cases in which the lawyers manage everything. Some cases require the use of accountants, real estate appraisers, child psychologists, and other experienced witnesses. In issues that involve the recording of deposition testimony, parties are faced with more costs added for paying the court reporter and buying legitimate copies of the deposition transcripts. Additionally, the attorneys will charge their clients for having interviewed the experts, creating, preparing for and managing the depositions and introducing their witnesses at trial.
Conduct and Goals of the Parties
Divorces that remain amicable will cost less. The conduct of each party and the goals they want to reach in cases may considerably impact the cost of the proceedings. A party that is ordered, but frequently fails to pay spousal or child support or who does not want to follow court orders concerning child custody may require papers to be filed and a hearing of contempt held. Couples involved in embittered fights usually can only talk through their attorneys. Warfare like policies on the part of one or both parties may lead to long and expensive hearings on matters that other parties might have been able to be resolved without fighting. Normally, parties that are able to treat each other respectfully and with the understanding the value of reasonable compromises will spend a lot less money getting their legal separation than parties that don’t.
How Much Does Legal Separation Cost in Arizona?
The average legal separation cost in Arizona ranges from $1,000 to $100,000 according to Sapling.com. Costs on the higher end are usually a result of a highly contested divorce that involves child custody and marital estate battles.
Source:
- Richards, Julie, et al. “How Much Does a Legal Separation Cost?” Sapling.com, https://www.sapling.com/7741925/much-legal-separation-cost.
