Learn How to Find a Divorce Lawyer

Payment: What to Expect and How to Make It

The total average cost of a divorce can range from $7,000 to $28,000, with divorce attorneys charging an average of $270 per hour.2 According to a 2019 study by Martindale-Nolo Research, attorney fees for divorces lasting less than six months were $6,500, while those lasting more than 30 months were $23,000. Divorce lawyers are typically paid on a retainer, which requires clients to pay in advance for their services. Startup costs varied from $2,000 to $5,000 on average.4

 

Divorce lawyers are available through several legal aid organisations, which give legal services and counsel to those in financial need. However, because divorces are given lesser priority than other types of proceedings, most applicants may not have access to attorneys. Individuals must balance the costs and rewards of each circumstance in light of these variables.

Fees

Divorce lawyers often charge an hourly rate rather than a flat fee.4 Clients are typically invoiced in six- to fifteen-minute increments. Based on a 2019 poll, here is a breakdown of average hourly rates:

  • $100 per hour: 11%
  • % of $200/hr: 34%
  • 35% off $300/hour
  • 20% off $400+/hr.

Some attorneys charge for consultations, while others provide them for free. Before you schedule one, make sure you ask. Discuss the attorney’s estimated rates and billing methods during a consultation. Attorneys that have worked on similar cases may have a greater idea of the charges to expect, as well as knowledge and critical perspective on the subject.

Document review, communication with the spouse’s lawyer, crafting negotiated settlements, and all communication—emails or phone calls—with your lawyer are all billable services.

 

lowering costs

According to the Martindale-Nolo Research poll, the two most important factors influencing the cost of a divorce attorney are whether or not disagreements were addressed prior to trial and the length of the divorce. Costs increased by an average of 70% for those who went to trial rather than negotiating a settlement out of court.4

Individuals can cut costs by opting for a task-based billing structure, in which only some concerns are handled by a lawyer and the remainder are handled by paralegals. This is less expensive than a bundled-base service where the attorney handles the entire divorce.

Another alternative is to request a flat charge, particularly in the case of a less complex divorce action. Though this is less typical, it might help you get a better idea of what to expect in terms of prices.

How to Find a Reputable Divorce Lawyer

Finding a reputable divorce lawyer, like many other services, can begin with references from friends or relatives. Other specialists, such as accountants or financial advisors, may also provide advice. Obtaining a more in-depth understanding of their experience with a lawyer might provide useful insight on what to seek for—and what to avoid.

You can also conduct a search on attorney websites, such as those that specialize in marital or family law.

Organizations to investigate

Client and peer attorney reviews are available on online information portals such as Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo, and Lawyers.com. Another helpful source is a divorce and family law association, which frequently provides search portals for members, tools, and information you may use to educate yourself about legal concerns surrounding divorce. You can also utilize these sites to look up the names of attorneys who have been highly recommended to you.

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) works to improve family law standards and education. The AAML is a professional association of family lawyers based in Chicago. Its website allows you to search for a lawyer by city and state.

Thousands of people worldwide are members of the American Bar Association’s Section of Family Law. It publishes research articles on divorce and related topics, as well as case studies, news, and quarterly publications. You can hunt for lawyers by state using its search site. It is based in Chicago, just like the AAML.

Beyond the borders of the United States, there is the International Academy of Family Lawyers, whose members include the best divorce lawyers in their particular disciplines and countries. It has 930 fellows from 67 nations worldwide. The organization was founded to improve the practice of divorce and family law on a global scale. It offers a search platform for finding divorce lawyers in various nations and locations.