The value of a divorce lawyer cannot be understated, but before they can represent you, it’s important to know their costs. Hourly rates, retainers, and additional costs can be confusing, and there are various factors that can affect cost, such as contested divorces, court filing fees, expert witnesses, and more.
Fees vary widely based on location, experience, and case complexity. While a mutual, uncontested divorce might cost a few thousand dollars, a drawn-out, contested divorce can be quite expensive. Below, we detail the average costs, factors, and fees that go into hiring a divorce lawyer, and what you need to know.
Table of Contents
- 1 How expensive is a divorce lawyer on average?
- 2 What makes a divorce lawyer more or less expensive?
- 3 How expensive is a divorce lawyer in Washington State?
- 4 Additional expense beyond attorney fees
- 5 Ways to lower divorce lawyer expenses
- 6 Is hiring a divorce lawyer worth the cost?
- 7 Skyview Law can help with affordable divorce solutions
- 8 Frequently asked questions
How expensive is a divorce lawyer on average?
According to Nolo’s national study, the average cost of a divorce where both parties had attorneys was around $11,300.
Hourly rates
What is the average cost of a divorce lawyer? To answer that, you need to know the average hourly rate, which is about $400. The lower end is around $350. On the higher end, the rates are $450.
Divorces take more than a few hours of an attorney’s time, and so these costs can add up quickly. If your divorce includes complex disagreements over children or property, hourly rates could cost you thousands of dollars.
Many attorneys will charge fractions of an hour, and the exact rate depends on an attorney’s experience, location, and the size of the law firm. Your attorney may require a retainer fee upfront so that they can work without fear of cost.
Flat fees
Your attorney may charge a flat fee, especially if they are handling a case without disputes. Instead of engaging in prolonged court proceedings, lawyers may charge a fixed cost for couples who don’t need to settle disagreements. This is easier for an overall budget, and if it looks like a divorce that can be resolved without too many issues, a flat fee may be better in the long run. The fee in Washington is a flat that changes from time to time but is currently $314.
What makes a divorce lawyer more or less expensive?
Contested vs. uncontested divorce
Contested divorces include major issues such as child custody, alimony, and property division. These disputes can be expensive, and legal costs can climb quickly due to trial preparation, discovery, and court filings.
Attorney’s experience and reputation
Experienced, high-profile attorneys in big law firms may charge more, though an attorney with a better reputation is likely to give you more efficiency and a better outcome.
Geographic location
If you live in a larger city, you will most likely pay higher attorney fees compared to smaller, rural, or suburban areas.
Complexity of assets
Debts, multiple properties, business valuations, and unusual assets (boats, cars, paintings, digital currency) may cause complications. Due to the nature of this specialized work, complex division of assets may rack up attorney fees.
Cooperation between parties
Contested divorces are more expensive than uncontested ones. If you and your spouse are cooperative, this means the less money your attorney has to spend. If you or your spouse refuses to share pertinent information, it can raise your final bill.
How expensive is a divorce lawyer in Washington State?
According to Bliss Law Group in Tacoma, Washington, the average range of divorce costs in Washington State is around $1,000 to $20,000, with the average resting somewhere around $10,000. This average is based on location, case complexity, the attorney’s experience, as well as whether a divorce is contested or uncontested.
There is no for-sure cost, but the average in Washington State is $10,000 or more.
Typical fees for uncontested divorce
Less complex, uncontested divorces cost less than contested divorces and might be eligible for a flat-rate pricing structure.
Typical uncontested divorce fees may be in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, and in the case of an uncontested divorce, you may only need an attorney for certain aspects of the divorce and not for more expensive legal representation.
Costs for contested divorce or high-conflict cases
Litigation, child custody battles, and asset disputes can increase fees. High-conflict cases can be expensive, and those involving high conflict can incur significantly higher costs. The national average puts contested divorce rates in the range of $13,500 to $29,000, and the duration and complexity of these divorces can affect costs alongside witness fees, court filing fees, and even private investigators.
Additional expense beyond attorney fees
Court filing fees and administrative costs
Court filing fees may initially seem inexpensive, and range only in the hundreds of dollars for opening a divorce case, but these administrative costs can add up in prolonged, contested divorces.
Mediation and expert witness fees
If you need expert witnesses such as therapists, accountants, private investigators, etc, this can significantly drive up costs as you must pay these individuals for their time.
Travel, documentation, and miscellaneous costs
If your attorney needs to travel out of town or out of state, locate additional documentation, or engage in miscellaneous duties from work outside their purview, these costs can also add up quickly and may be charged outside flat fees or hourly rates.
Ways to lower divorce lawyer expenses
Prioritise issues based on their importance
During divorce, everything can feel like an emergency. It’s essential to identify issues and rank them based on importance so they can be addressed one at a time. Focus your resources on high priorities, such as custody arrangements and asset divisions, to ensure efficient resolutions that can lower costs.
Be organized and prepared
Ensure you have as many necessary documents as possible before meeting with your attorney. Get your financial information together, and be as organized as possible to reduce the time professionals have to spend finding that same info about your case. You can cut down on legal expenses by gathering bank statements, asset valuations, and any relevant documents.
Communicate clearly and regularly
Avoid misunderstandings with your attorney and save time/money by being upfront with your expectations, concerns, and questions. Communicate clearly and regularly, email summaries of phone conversations, and keep all records of communications.
Agree where possible
Your attorney is being paid to help you. By settling disputes out of court, you can significantly reduce costs. Collaborate with your lawyer and your spouse and attempt to be as amicable as possible on asset division, financial support, and child custody. If you cut down on disagreements, you can resolve issues without the court or legal representation.
Opt for a fixed fee arrangement
Legal practitioners may offer a “fixed fee arrangement” for comprehensive divorce services. This can help you anticipate costs, with agreed-upon upfront fees for specific services. It’s important to be transparent with your attorney and ask them directly about any potential extra costs.
Is hiring a divorce lawyer worth the cost?
Divorce lawyers come with common, associated costs. The value and peace of mind that comes from professional representation, however, is invaluable. If you’re facing a contested divorce or arguing about the custody of children and assets, it’s paramount that you hire an attorney who can represent you properly and fairly during legal proceedings. You don’t want to get caught unawares, especially if your ex-spouse has already hired legal representation.
Skyview Law can help with affordable divorce solutions
Skyview Law’s divorce services are second-to-none. We provide Free Consultations, upfront, transparent pricing, and payment plans.
With over 10 solid years of experience in providing legal services to families in Washington State, you are assured that you’re getting experienced and trustworthy representation.
Our team of top-caliber lawyers is attentive, responsive, and diligent. They are consummate professionals who are qualified to manage every phase of your Family Law case. More importantly, they are high-quality, attentive, and have a proven track record.
Contact us today for a Free Case Review and see how Skyview Law can help.
Frequently asked questions
Are divorce lawyer fees negotiable?
A good attorney will be upfront about their costs, and even be open to negotiation, payment, and budget. Avoid aggressive attorneys that attempt to drag you into costly trials—honest attorneys will do their best to represent you and won’t surprise you with fees and costs.
Can I get divorced without a lawyer?
You can get divorced without a lawyer, though certain circumstances may make this more difficult. Going through an uncontested divorce without a lawyer may not work in your favor, as your ex-spouse’s legal representation will have a better idea of laws, and know how to advantageously split complex assets. If there are children involved or you’re uncertain of the legal process, you should hire an attorney.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Washington?
Uncontested divorce is always the cheaper option. Both parties can agree on property division, child custody, and court intervention. While you may still need an attorney for an uncontested divorce, it is still significantly less expensive than a complex, contested divorce.
How can I estimate the total cost of my divorce?
It’s difficult to calculate an exact number, but some considerations can let you know if your divorce will be expensive or not. Contested versus uncontested, legal representation, the complexity of your case, child custody, debts, assets, property, business, and location all factor into the estimated total cost.
