If you’re considering divorce, you’re curious about the expense. While the cost of hiring a divorce attorney at Jimeno & Gray, P.A., varies significantly based on the circumstances, some typical costs are easy to anticipate. Here are some of the most important elements affecting the expense of your divorce.
Divorces cost between $15,000 and $20,000 on average in the United States. However, this figure may be higher or lower depending on your unique circumstances. Let’s take a look at some of the most crucial aspects affecting the expense of your divorce.
Contested Or Uncontested?
The nature of the divorce is a significant factor in determining the cost. An “uncontested divorce” occurs when both parties agree on the divorce conditions, including asset division and parenting agreements. An “uncontested divorce” is when the parties cannot agree on one or more divorce terms; a court must decide the case.
Contested divorces are typically significantly more expensive than uncontested divorces due to the additional court time and legal fees. If your divorce is uncontested, you may be able to save money by dealing with an online divorce agency or a mediator rather than employing an attorney.
Do You Have Children?
If you have children, child custody and support will play a significant role in the outcome of your divorce. Child support is the financial commitment made by each parent to their children’s upkeep in joint custody, in which both parents share custody, or sole custody, in which one parent has main custody.
Child custody and support can be highly complicated, and you will almost certainly need the assistance of an attorney if you are unable to reach an arrangement with your husband. Notably, charges can quickly pile up, so it’s critical to include them in your overall divorce cost estimate.
The type of Divorce method
There are many options for getting a divorce, each with its own set of advantages and downsides to consider. Consider some of the most common divorce methods and their impact on the cost of your divorce.
Litigation:
Are you and your spouse unable to come to terms on the terms of your divorce? You will almost definitely be required to appear in court at that point. Litigation is the term used to describe this. Litigation can be extremely expensive, particularly if the matter goes to trial. Expert witnesses and court costs will have to be paid for separately, and the price of these will quickly pile up.
Mediation:
If both parties are willing to negotiate, you may be able to use mediation. A neutral third party will assist you and your spouse in communicating and attempting to achieve an agreement on the terms of your divorce through mediation. While mediation is often less expensive than litigation, it is inappropriate for every marriage. A mediator’s hourly cost is between $100 and $250. However, if you retain the services of an attorney-mediator, the hourly charge might rise to $950.
Collaborative law:
If you and your spouse are committed to reaching an agreement without going to court, you may be interested in collaborative law. In collaborative law, both spouses and their attorneys sign a contract to negotiate in good faith. This can be a good option for couples who want to avoid the cost of litigation but are not sure if mediation is right for them.
You may need to involve other specialists like divorce coaches, real estate agents, and financial advisors during the collaboration. These professionals can add to the cost of your divorce, but they can also help you reach a fair agreement for both sides. On average, collaborative divorces cost between $25,000 and $50,000.
What’s Next?
Now that you have a better understanding of some of the factors that will affect the cost of your divorce, you may be wondering what to do next. If you are considering a divorce, the first step is to speak with an experienced divorce attorney to help you understand the laws in your state and how they will apply to your case.
The cost of a divorce can vary greatly depending on the circumstances, but it is important to be prepared for all potential costs before you begin the process. By understanding the different methods of divorce and the factors that can affect the cost, you can make the best decision for your situation.
