Although it is difficult to predict the total amount of your divorce attorney fees, the following are some of the factors that impact the total cost:
- Whether custody and placement are in dispute
- Whether your divorce presents any novel legal questions
- Whether a pension plan(s) is subject to division
- Whether there is a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement between the parties
- Whether either of the parties have received gifted or inherited property, and whether or not that property has been commingled
- Whether you and/or your spouse have a premarital interest in property or debt
- The nature and number of the issues contested
- The cooperation of your spouse and opposing counsel
- The frequency of your communication with your attorney
- The ability of you and your spouse to communicate with each other
- The promptness with which information is provided and/or exchanged between both you and your spouse and the attorneys
- Whether there are litigation costs, such as fees for expert witnesses or court reporters
- The extent of discovery
- The hourly rate of the attorney
Reviewing regular invoices from your divorce/family law attorney and communicating with your attorney about any questions or concerns will help keep you on track with the overall cost of your divorce.
