Deciding to get a divorce can be a difficult decision in one’s life. Beyond separating from a partner and preparing for a lifestyle shift, the divorce process can also be challenging to navigate.
Filing the divorce paperwork, dividing the assets and trying to navigate the legal process may add stress and frustration to the entire divorce process. This said, learning about the process before you file and preparing yourself emotionally and financially for this time can help significantly.
General Divorce Fees
Divorce can be expensive, but understanding where the costs come from helps inform how to move forward with the divorce process.
While fees may change from year to year, divorcing couples can expect the following divorce costs:
- Court and administrative fees
- Attorney fees
- Professional service fees
Court and Administrative Fees
Court and administrative fees may vary state to state. In California, for example, the fees for a California divorce are set under the Superior Court of California civil fee schedule. The fees go toward maintaining court records, which include the petition, response and may have subsequent fees for motions, responses, or copies of records.
If you are low-income or receiving public benefits, you have be eligible for a fee waiver. In order to be considered, you would need to apply and submit a request to waive court fees.
Attorney Fees
Even if you do not retain the services of a divorce attorney, it may be helpful to schedule a free consultation to give you an idea of what to expect during your case. “Every divorce is unique and will require more or less fees, depending on the circumstance,” note Los Angeles divorce attorneys at Fernandez & Karney, “speak to an experienced family law attorney if you are thinking about divorce and have questions about the costs involved.”
If you chose to move forward with a divorce attorney, it is important to understand the costs associated with legal services. Typically, divorce attorneys require a retainer, and once exhausted, they charge an hourly rate. Rates are based on an attorney’s experience and location, with more experienced attorneys charging more. The expectation is that a more experienced attorney will be the most prepared to handle your unique case and may be able to handle it in a more time-efficient manner.
Professional Service Fees
If your divorce case goes to trial, you may need to hire professional services in your case. Child custody evaluators are often ordered in child custody cases and can have a rate of $160 an hour. You may also need to retain the services of an expert witness or forensic accountant in your case, which could cost as much as $500 an hour.
Is it Worth it to Hire an Attorney?
While most states don’t require divorcing couples to have an attorney, it may be the best way to protect your interests in a divorce. Making a mistake during the filing could damage the outcome of your divorce or even render the entire process invalid. If domestic violence, substance abuse, or child abuse is a factor in a divorce, hiring an attorney can also help protect your rights.
While attorneys may be an added cost, it may benefit you in the long run by helping through the process quickly and efficiently. Before hiring an attorney, leverage a free consultation with attorneys in your area to evaluate their experience and pricing as well as how they would help benefit your specific divorce case.