2006-11-24 12:26:27 · 7 answers · asked by MM 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
divorce doesnt cost that much, its an CONTESTED divorce that costs so much; meaning, fighting for custody, items, homes, etc. the longer you fight with each other, the more money the attorneys make. my attorney told me (while going through divorce) that its the 'nasty' divorces that are their bread and butter. personally, mine lasted a long time and cost me well over $10,000.00 . i have four kids, and it was a very (VERY) nasty divorce. my ex wouldnt stop his crap, so, it cost me (as well as him [which he could afford it] a small fortune). in the end, i got the kids, but it was a learning experience to say the least.
attorneys want a sizable deposit, and charge for every single call you make to them (questions, problems,etc). and every letter they have typed up and mail out. when you go to court, they charge an even larger amount, just to show up and mix up your information (for they dont study the details of your case, despite what you may see on tv).
legal aid is available in every state in the US, so try them first. heres some links (in your state also) that may help. ASK them where to go for help or where legal aid is in your area. phone book may have it, but here they are anyway.
remember, what doesnt kill us, makes us stronger!
so hang in there and do what you must...
:)
2006-11-24 12:41:23 · answer #1 · answered by Yvette B yvetteb 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a difficult question to answer. It depends on how long you have been married, children and assets involved in the marriage. I good divorce attorney will charge between $100-$200 an hour for every single thing they do - including every minute they spend with you - in person or on the phone.
Get a free consultation and make sure that you have everything clear in your mind first because the lawyer will limit you to 15 minutes.
If you chose to retain him/her, they will want a retainer up front. This is very different according to the lawyer's preference and may be negotiated.
Your lawyer may be kind and generous, but make no mistake, they do not work for free. Don't use them as a friend or counselor, every single minute you spend with them will be billed to YOU!
Ask your lawyer what you can do for your divorce. Can you type the petition, research some answers for him/her or make phone calls? Anything you can do yourself will help contain the cost of your divorce.
One last thought - Try to limit your battles with your ex to ones you really care about. Everything that the lawyer has to do for you, including mediating little squabbles between you and your ex, will be billed to YOU!
Good luck and God bless!
2006-11-24 12:36:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends if there are minor children involved or not, and how much work the lawyer has to do to collect all the necessary information. Here in IN they start around $500 and go up from there. If children are involved they start at $750 and go up.
2006-11-24 12:32:12 · answer #3 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm in WI too...and I just talked to one on Tuesday...$1500 retainer and $130/hr! And that seems to be the average around here...good luck
2006-11-24 13:14:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am also in Wisconsin. The best that I could find was a $3,000 retainer and $200 per hours. This is in the Wisconsin Rapids/Plover/Point area. If anyone knows of a better cost than this please let me know.
Thanks,
2015-03-07 05:56:03 · answer #5 · answered by stockingluvr37 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
525,600 was my friends total cost
2006-11-24 12:27:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey katie!
i think the starting fee is 500$.
2006-11-24 12:28:00 · answer #7 · answered by meene2001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋