How Much Does It Cost To Get A Divorce

Getting a divorce is not an easy decision. The emotional aspect of a divorce alone can really take over during the decision-making process. Add this up to the financial matters of a divorce, everyone can really have great difficulty over pushing through with such decision.

Before you decide on getting a divorce, understand that this endeavor is not cheap. It can go even higher than what you have initially calculated it for. Here, read on and find out all costs involved when getting a divorce.

Typical Cost Of A Divorce

The cost of a divorce is usually dependent on what kind of divorce is taking place. A simple or uncontested divorce can cost from $1,000 to $10,000.

A contested divorce, on the other hand, can start from $8,000 to $100,000 or even higher.

Included In The Price Of A Divorce

For a simple divorce, the price includes legal fees and disbursements. An uncontested divorce is an undefended divorce where there is no corollary relief claimed such as property support, custody matters, and other related matters.

A contested divorce, on the other hand, includes professional fees for the lawyer and accountant, court proceedings, and the preparation of all divorce-related documents. Take a look at the six stages of a complete contested divorce proceeding and how much each stage will cost you. Lawyer fees are calculated at $275 per hour, which is the average rate of lawyers per hour. On the other hand, accountant fees are calculated at $250 per hour.

**STAGE**

**Inclusions**

**Cost**
Pleadings - Preparation and filing of the petition for divorce or statement of claim/statement of defense - Lawyer (1-15 hours per pleading) - Accountant (1-3 hours per pleading) $525 - $4,875
Financial Statements - Preparation of actual and budgeted costs of living - Documentation of weekly and monthly budgeted income (employment and investment income) - Listing of all assets and liabilities from the date of marriage until the date of marriage breakdown - Valuation of business - Accountant (1-25 hours) - Lawyer (1-5 hours) $3,525 - $42,625
Motions - Preparation of documents/affidavits (lawyer: 3 to 20 hours) - Arguing motion in court (lawyer: 1-15 hours) $1,100 - $11,625
Examinations - Preparation for examination such as reviewing the other side's financial statement and preparing a list of questions (lawyer: 1 to 25 hours) - Cross-examination (lawyer 1/2 to 8 hours) - Accountant (2 to 8 hours) $912.50 - $11,075
Case Conference - Lawyer's preparation - Settlement of the dispute - Court fees $1,075 - $7,275
Trial - Preparation (lawyer: one to two days) - Assistance of the accountant in preparing financial details and discussing strategy (accountant: minimum of one day) - Court time (2 hours to 3 weeks) $1,050 - $55,125
**TOTAL** - All fees (lawyer, accountant, court, documentation) **$8,187 - $132,600**
Source: DivorceMag.comhow much does a divorce cost Photo by Ed Yourdon ## Tips Before You Decide To Get Divorced Understand that a divorce does not come cheap. Hence, before deciding to get a divorce, make sure that the money you will be spending for it will be worth it over time. Also, as early as possible, evaluate whether you can afford a divorce or not. If you have children, take note that they will carry the burden of the divorce as well. As much as possible, explain to them what’s happening. They may need counseling as well so they can go through this phase in their lives smoothly. Know the specific divorce laws in your state. DivorceSupport.com will give you a lot of information on specific divorce laws per state. If possible, open your communication lines with your spouse. Talk about the divorce and make the necessary agreements and settlements at peace. Doing so will help both of you save a lot of money in getting a divorce. If you need a lawyer, make sure you get a reputable and experienced divorce lawyer. Your choice of lawyer will usually determine the kind of settlements you'll have in the end and the amount of time the process will take. Aside from picking a lawyer who specializes in divorce, make sure you find someone who has a lot of experience in the same divorce situation as yours. Work with your lawyer fully. If you make sure you attend to your lawyer’s needs and you try to help the lawyer as much as possible, his job will be easier and the shorter time he will need to finish his job. Cutting your lawyer’s time will help you save a lot of money in the end.