If you and your partner have made the difficult decision to divorce, you may be wondering how much it will cost. The answer is that it depends on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the case, the presence of children, and the type of lawyer you hire. A relatively simple divorce can take about a year to complete, while a more complicated one can take up to 18 months. The longer it takes, the more expensive it becomes, as you have to pay court fees and your lawyer's salary.
If you want to get the best outcome out of a divorce proceeding, then it's not a good idea to face an attorney on your own. In cases where one person earns a substantial amount of money, it also becomes more complex to determine how much the other spouse should receive, since they are used to a certain lifestyle. It's also complex, which means couples tend to hire more expensive lawyers to receive the best possible representation. Certain issues such as alimony and child custody can make the case more complex, which also increases the cost. If you want things to go well, that experience and professional service don't come cheap.
Even where complicated financial and custody issues are not at stake, the bill will continue to be high. One counter-intuitively is not to be cheap. Similarly, it's important not to let your attorney-client relationship turn into a therapist-patient relationship, as this can quickly result in a significant increase in costs. Your costs will include filing fees, service of documents, and the cost of divorce papers if you get divorce papers online. Many lawyers offer free consultations, so it doesn't hurt to call one or more experienced divorce lawyers in your area to discuss your divorce.
The number of hours your lawyer will need to devote to your divorce depends on a variety of factors, especially the complexity of your case and your ability to come to an agreement with your spouse on issues. By filing a no-fault, undisputed divorce with an agreement that an attorney has reviewed, you can get a quick divorce. The average time it takes to get divorced is around 11 months; if your divorce takes less or longer than this, this can affect the cost.
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