Cost of Divorce

In modern times, divorce is simply a fact of life that many marriages will go through. Whether they can be attributed to longer lifespans, an unpredictable economy, or simply bad judgment, divorce rates are still fairly high, though they have been declining since the 1980s. The cost of divorce, however, continues to be quite substantial due to the complexity of modern divorces.

Like anything else, the cost of divorce varies depending on the circumstances. On the extremely cheap end, married couples who have no children and few assets that can agree to divorce amicably can expect to spend $1,000 or less for a divorce. These lucky couples may not need a divorce lawyer at all, and should investigate the use of divorce kits that work like do-it-yourself divorces. On the opposite end of the spectrum, divorces which involve children, complex finances, and the division of assets will most likely cost much more. Emotional divorces with battles for custody, alimony, and a handful of court appearances can cost well over $25,000 in attorney's fees alone when all is said and done. Additional money may be spent on private investigators and detectives, which can also cost thousands of dollars. However, cases with such extreme needs are less common. Regardless, divorce can be a great expense, with an average cost ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.

For individuals concerned with the high cost of divorce, several steps can be taken to insure a divorce stays within a reasonable price. People that know an impending divorce will not be easy should attempt to negotiate a flat fee. This provides a personal guarantee of how much you will pay, though it requires knowledge of the various steps and issues that will have to be handled by the attorney. Some estimates for a flat fee will suggest a base fee plus $1,000 for each contested issue. Most lawyers will, on the contrary, charge an hourly fee which might cost up to hundreds of dollars an hour. Phone calls and e-mails will also carry an additional charge, as well as the printing of paperwork. Negotiating these fees is best, and doing as much research on your own as possible will help keep consulting fees and phone time down.

Besides the cost of divorce in terms of the legal proceedings, divorcees should also keep in mind the emotional toll as well as the costs of moving and replacing items lost in the divorce. Surviving on a single paycheck is also frequently more difficult, especially for individuals with children. Though divorce may often feel absolutely necessary, its various costs should always be taken into consideration.