How much is a Custody Battle going ot cost me?

Question

I have already spent $5,000 in lawyer fees and we haven't even been to court yet. We were not married, dated a VERY short time. The DNA test was paid by the father. Where is all my money going? Is it standard for an attorney to charge $215 an hour? She charges for every phone call, every email, etc.

Answer 1

An attorney does cost a lot but the more and more you get into the battle the more expensive its going to get. My family went through a custody battle not to long ago and it about wiped out all of our money. Lets put it this way, by the end of the battle we had spent over 10,000 dollars. So expect it somewhere near there.

Answer 2

When my daughter's father and I split up three months ago, I was preparing myself to take out loans and spend thousands of dollars on a custody battle. I talked to many attorneys on the subject. In Georgia, and also in a few other states, when two people are unmarried and have a baby, the mother has all legal and physical custody when they are together and in the event of a separation. I didn't even need to take him to court for custody, and this applies to this situation when the father is listed on the birth certificate and when he isn't. Maybe this can help you to look up the laws in your state, because you never know what you will find. :)

Answer 3

this is how attorneys make their money. Every time you talk to her she charges by minute.. every minute she spends reading or replying to your email.. she c harges. i would ask if the father can carry some of the burden. $215 is low compared to what i paid per hour

Answer 4

In a custody battle you pay for every stamp, phone call, note taken, etc. I ended up paying 15,000 in a custody battle with my girls father. I won but i'm still paying. Good luck!