What’s the Average Cost for Divorce?

The cost of divorce can vary, depending on which state or country you live in, how amicable the split is, and whether or not you decide to work with a divorce attorney or go another route, such as a do-it-yourself (DIY) divorce. Costs can also shift significantly, depending on whether or not you have kids or need to go to trial.

How Much Does a DIY Divorce Cost?

A DIY divorce usually refers to a divorce that requires no involvement from outside parties or professionals; the two spouses are responsible for seeing through the divorce on their own, from start to finish. Since a DIY divorce requires no legal counsel, it can come with a much smaller price tag. Typically, the only fees involved have to do with preparing your paperwork and filing it with the court that handles divorce cases in your area. The average cost of a do-it-yourself divorce ranges from $300 to $1,500, depending on other factors like paperwork and court fees, as well as how complicated your case is. It’s worth noting that you’ll have to pay for court and filing fees. These costs vary depending on which county or state you live, but can go up to $450.

How Much Does a Divorce Mediator Cost?

The cost of mediation ranges, depending on how entangled the case is. Typically, one can find a mediator whose hourly rates are between $100 and $390 an hour, meaning a full day could cost in the thousands.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost?

Divorce lawyers generally charge on an hourly basis, which can be as much as $650 an hour. On top of this, many lawyers ask for a retainer depending on the complexity of the situation. These initial retainers can be expensive if you and your spouse are not on good terms and the case is poised to be complicated.

What About Child Custody?

Divorces can get extremely messy when there are children involved. In a contested divorce, the issue of child custody will likely come up. If the couple is able to agree on a child custody schedule that works for both parents, then that is the easiest path forward. However, this is not always possible.

What About Real Estate?

Divorces and real estate often go hand-in-hand. After all, many couples’ largest financial asset tends to be the home they live in. Couples who share a property may require the help of real estate attorneys or agents who focus on helping couples ascertain the disposition of their homes.

Another potential consideration in a divorce may be alimony, or spousal support. Alimony may not be necessary if a marriage was short or if two spouses earn similar incomes. If alimony is needed, both individuals will need to agree on the amount of payment and the time payments are to be made. If they are unable to find a middle ground, the court may have to step in.

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