Divorce is not only a change in the way of life, but it is also a financial challenge. You, probably, should divide property and monetary actives, and it in most cases is perceived as the loss. You may also have to pay your / your alimony for a spouse or a child. These costs depend on each specific situation. It is impossible to name the amount that you can get divorced, because you need to take into account the laws of your state on divorce, your current financial condition and, most importantly, whether you and your spouse will reach an agreement on the conditions of divorce.
If you are on the verge of a divorce in Virginia, it is important that you know about the three categories of costs that you will incur with a high probability: paying for a lawyer, the cost of an alternative dispute resolution and legal costs.
The court does not require that you hire a lawyer to lead your divorce case, but most people still need it. As a rule, many couples need two lawyers, one for each of the spouses. Many divorce attorneys charge an hourly fee. It means that you will be charged for every incomplete hour spent by them to talk with you on the phone, conducting investigations, drafting documents, filling out forms or presenting you in court. The cost of one hour will be multiplied by the total number of hours spent. This figure subsequently appears in the invoice issued to you, usually monthly.
The most common rate is $ 250, but most people pay between $ 150 and $ 450 per hour. The lawyer’s lowest fee is $ 150, and the highest is $ 650. The more critical factor in determining the total amount of your lawyer’s fee is the number of hours spent by him or her on your business. The difference between $ 50 and $ 650 per hour is huge, but if you multiply these figures by 20 hours, for example, the gap will be even greater: $ 1 thousand and $ 13 thousand. The average figure spent on lawyers is $ 12,800. With an average cost of $ 250, this is approximately 50 hours of work for a lawyer.
Even if we consider only the lawyer’s fee for divorce cases, it becomes obvious why many people think that getting married is an expensive financial pleasure.
Is it true that reconciliation of spouses is a cheaper solution?
In general, the courts in Virginia encourage (and sometimes requires) that the parties to the divorce proceedings use different alternative ways of resolving the dispute. The most common of these is the reconciliation of spouses.
At reconciliation, each of the pairs communicates with a neutral mediator (mediator). In some cases, advocates act as mediators. Also, the mediator can be lawyers in cases of divorce. The lawyer task is to help the couple find a common position and come to a divorce decision without a court hearing.
Some courts require the reconciliation of spouses in cases where the issues of custody of children or alimony are being considered. Such services, including those provided locally in the county, are free of charge.
There are also lawyers offering private mediation services. Most of them charge an hourly fee. The rate is from $ 100 to several hundred dollars, according to the case. The average cost of the reconciliation process conducted by a private lawyer is $ 3,500, according to Virginia Parenting. As with a lawyer, the cost of mediator services depends on how many hours he/she will spend on your case.
Divorce court fee
Confrontation in court for divorce cases is an unpleasant occupation. It will be even more stressful if you take into account the cost of legal services that are added to your general account for divorce.
Do not forget: if you file a claim for divorce, you have to pay the court. If your spouse does not respond to the lawsuit, he or she will also have to pay the cost of court services. As a rule, they depend on each individual state. For example, in Virginia, the cost of filing a lawsuit is more than $ 400. Those who cannot afford such a sum can apply for exemption from payment.
You may have to pay extra fees for the court. For example, if you file additional motions or go to a hearing, the costs of litigation will be higher.
If you add legal costs, attorney’s fees, as well as other costs (for example, the services of a tax consultant, a child custodian, an appraiser at home, etc.), the total cost of divorce can be thousands and thousands of dollars. Most people enjoy this “pleasure” at $ 15,500. Those who go to court pay even more almost $ 20,000. The pairs that managed to negotiate in the divorce case and they spend less than $ 15,000.
If you need the help of a divorce lawyer in VA with this type of a case in Fairfax, City of Fairfax, Prince William (Manassas), Fauquier (Warrenton), Loudoun (Leesburg), Caroline, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Chesterfield, Henrico, Arlington, Richmond, Alexandria, Warren (Front Royal), Clarke, Shenandoah, King George, Charles City, Frederick, Fredericksburg, Gloucester, Hanover, Hopewell, James City, King & Queen, King William, New Kent, Newport News, Petersburg, Prince George, Rappahannock or York, call our law firm immediately for help and speak to a lawyer about your options. B
