And What Factors Into The Cost?
According to Huffington Post, the most expensive divorce in history involved a $4.5 billion divorce judgment.
So, naturally, the question of “How much will the divorce cost?,” is one that is asked often.
Though the process of divorce can be expensive, that figure shouldn’t cause you to panic.
However, the reality is that there’s no specific answer to the question.
Instead, the answer to this question largely depends on the type of services the lawyer is providing.
This article examines the various factors that influence the costs behind a divorce to help you gain the clearest idea possible of how a family law attorney might affect your finances. The following ideas should be understood:
- Type of Lawyer. Experienced lawyers with prominent firms tend to charge a higher amount, while younger attorneys at smaller firms often charge less. Small firms tend to be more affordable and are often more available when you need them and can provide close, attentive focus to your case. Although legal services can be expensive, it is often best to make sure that you are receiving adequate legal attention to your case.
- The Type of Divorce. Lawyer fees are determined on a case-by-case basis. A variety of factors influence the price of the case, which include the type of legal work that needs to be performed and your location. For example, divorce fees depend greatly on the type of divorce. Litigated divorce, or divorce that involves court hearings, is the most expensive type of divorce because this type of divorce is the most time consuming.
- Time the Divorce Takes to Resolve. Generally, the faster the divorce issues resolve, the less expensive it is for the spouses seeking the divorce.
- Initial Meeting. At the initial meeting, many attorneys estimate how much time the case will take and try to provide the client with a very rough estimate of cost. If the divorce completes itself quickly, the client may receive money back, but if the divorce is more time consuming than originally believed, the client may owe more fees.
- The Attorney’s Expenses. The attorney’s expenses represent only one part of the divorce. Other charges must also be covered, including filing fees. Filing fees are the amount charged by the court to handle the paperwork of filing the divorce.
A good rule of thumb is: the more complicated the process and the more issues that need to be resolved, the more expensive the divorce will be.
The best way to understand the costs associated with your divorce is to discuss your options with an attorney. If you are currently pursuing a divorce, you will need the assistance of an experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorney in Fresno and San Diego, California. Rebecca Medina has built a reputation as a trusted and compassionate attorney who has helped many clients divorce at a competitive rate. Contact her today for a consultation.