Uncontested Divorce Costs 2021

Divorce is not only an emotionally draining experience, but it can also be financially draining if you aren’t prepared and don’t consider all of your options. You can apply for an uncontested divorce if you and your spouse agree on the divorce, the distribution of your assets, and the care of your children, including custody, visitation, and child support.

If you’re considering divorce, you should be aware of the divorce procedure, your options, the length of time it will take to complete the legal proceedings, and the cost.

Without The Assistance Of An Attorney

You have a few options if you want to file for an uncontested divorce on your own. To begin, you and your spouse should fill out the necessary paperwork and submit it to your local family court. The court will then issue you with the necessary forms, such as a divorce petition and a parenting plan, which details your children’s care. You’ll appear in front of the court to finalize your divorce after filing your documents and waiting the time period necessary by your state’s laws. When filling out divorce forms, such as alimony, child support, and property division, make sure you know the laws in your state.

You could also use an online provider to petition for an uncontested divorce. In general, these services will guide you through the process of preparing and filing the divorce forms that your state requires. Check your state’s laws to see if filing for divorce online is allowed.

The cheapest option is to file for an uncontested divorce without the help of an attorney. Whether you file your documents yourself or with the help of an online service, you’ll have to pay around $300 to the court. In addition to the filing charge, using an online service can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500, depending on the service and your specific situation.

With The Help Of A Lawyer

If you hire an attorney to represent you, he or she will fight for your rights and wants throughout the divorce process. If you have a complicated divorce or if you and your husband disagree on certain matters, hiring an attorney may be advantageous.

You can’t share an attorney with your soon-to-be ex because an attorney can only represent one spouse. Your lawyer will assist you in negotiating many areas of your divorce, such as property distribution, child custody, and debt settlements. Once all essential paperwork have been filed and a court date has been established, your attorney will accompany you to court and present your case to the judge for a final decision.

The cost of hiring an attorney for an uncontested divorce is cheaper than for a disputed divorce. However, if your case is more complicated or if it is a contested case, your attorney expenses will rise.

A retainer, or down payment, of $2,500 to $5,000 is usually required of your divorce attorney. Until the retainer money runs out, your attorney will charge you against it. You may be required to pay an extra retainer or your attorney may bill you by the hour after that. The average hourly legal cost is between $150 and $400.

Through the Process Of Collaboration

Collaborative divorce is a third option that has gained popularity in recent years. This sort of divorce is a cross between hiring an attorney and mediation, in which both spouses work together to solve their problems.

Each side in a collaborative divorce has an attorney who is conversant with the procedure. Each party promises to work together to solve their problems. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on specific concerns, they may take their dispute to court. Depending on the intricacy of your case, a collaborative divorce can cost as little as $10,000.

You can acquire a divorce in a variety of methods, and the charges vary. Make sure to look into your state’s laws to see what options are open to you. If you and your husband/wife believe you can reach an agreement on important issues, an uncontested divorce may be the best option for you.