Divorce is not something anyone cherishes. Not only will it cause you distress, but it will also cost you a good sum of money and a legal process to settle it.
So how much does a divorce cost you?
Well, the divorce cost depends on where you are living. Also, no case is similar. Your case may differ from another case type, so the cost will not be the same. We will discuss the average cost of a divorce lawyer in this write-up.
If you need help regarding your divorce, divorce lawyer Regina is there to assist you.
What is the average cost for a lawyer in a divorce case?
Divorce has a big financial impact that will stress you out. You get to pay a lot of money in the whole process. As every divorce is different, the fees are also different. We have collected the estimate of each divorce type that may help you understand the fee standard.
The Legal Fees
Legal fees are associated with composing different documents and expenditures. These are the added fees on your divorce process. These costs include everything from serving your partner to making copies of your legal documents. Each of the following sections will receive a portion of the money you pay your lawyer:
Separation Agreement
The separation agreement is the most important part of the divorce process, contrary to popular belief that creating the divorce order is the most significant aspect of a lawyer’s duty. The joint ownership, such as the house, capital assets, and debts, will be split between two partners by the terms of your divorce agreement.
Depending on the severity of your divorce, establishing a legal separation will cost between $1,500 and $2,000 per individual. A lawyer for one partner will create the separation agreement, and the lawyer for another partner will evaluate it.
Child Custody and Care Agreement
Your lawyer must create a separate agreement establishing the child custody and care arrangement if the children are involved. One can change these agreements legally to fit the circumstances. It usually costs $1,500 to $2,000.
Uncontested Divorce
Your divorce lawyer may create and submit a request for an uncontested divorce if both sides consent to it living apart for a year. Separation and child custody agreements prepared before are the basis for this uncomplicated divorce.
The good thing is it doesn’t call for any court appearances. It will cost $600 – $1,000.
Contested Divorce
The charges will increase if your partner refuses to consent to a divorce. The bright side is that you won’t be compelled to continue being married to your partner. Instead, following a year of living apart, you may file a divorce petition with the court.
That is referred to as a contested divorce, which is typically far more pricey since it may require prolonged discussions between the lawyers for each side on the distribution of assets, child support, and spousal maintenance. It costs around $7,500 – $12,500.
Court Appearances
You can go to court and let a judge decide if you and your partner cannot settle any of the issues mentioned. These court hearings will inevitably increase the expense on your bill, which is almost $13,000 to $26,000.
Divorce Cost Without A lawyer
It will always be significantly less expensive than consulting a full-service lawyer if you and your spouse can handle the divorce procedure independently and peacefully or with assistance from a mediator or an online divorce firm.
Without allowing mediation fees, people who resolved their divorce without a lawyer spent an average of $925 in our research. Though the median cost of $300 was actually more than usual.
How to Minimize the Divorce Cost?
According to the severity of your case, getting divorced might cost you a lot in lawyer fees and other court charges. However, you can lower the charges by convincing your partner, i.e. go for an uncontested divorce.
Also, a lawyer can help you reduce additional costs such as child custody, spousal support, or other related costs.
Final Words
No one really intends to get a divorce unless it gets very difficult to be with the partner because divorce drains you mentally and financially.
However, you can narrow down the financial burden with a mutual understanding with your partner and handle matters technically. Get a lawyer you can afford and solve your troubles easily. You just need the right support.