What type of lawyer is best for divorce?
Are there different types of divorce lawyers, and how do you choose what is going to be best for you? There are different types of divorce lawyers, who take different approaches and it is important to align your needs with the attorney’s philosophy.
Divorce lawyers can be broadly classified into two main categories:
- Litigating attorneys specialize in high-conflict cases, often involving custody battles and complex disputes.
- Attorneys who may adopt Collaborative Divorce or Mediation models that promote a more amicable resolution.
When considering how to pick the right divorce lawyer, you should consider the importance of evaluating the nature of your case. Urgent situations with high-conflict issues, such as child abduction, may necessitate a more aggressive litigating attorney to protect your interests and any children involved. However, for cases without such urgent circumstances, a non-adversarial approach through collaboration or mediation might be a more suitable choice.
You should consider interviewing potential attorneys to gauge your mutual compatibility. Aligning your philosophy with the attorney’s approach is key. During consultations, you should strive to establish rapport and assess whether the attorney’s style resonates with your goals and values.
One crucial point to be aware of is the potential for attorneys who specialize in high-conflict cases to inadvertently turn a non-adversarial divorce into an adversarial one. This underscores the importance of understanding the attorney’s predisposition toward litigation or settlement facilitation. You will need to discern whether an attorney genuinely seeks to help facilitate a settlement or if their inclination leans toward contentious courtroom battles.
The diverse landscape of divorce lawyers necessitates careful consideration when selecting the right lawyer for your divorce. You should evaluate the nature of your case, align your philosophy with the attorney’s approach, and ensure compatibility during the consultation process. By understanding the distinctions among litigating and non-adversarial attorneys, you can make informed decisions to navigate the complexities of divorce proceedings with confidence and the assurance that your chosen attorney is the right fit for your unique situation.
The Kim Mediation and Law Center is located at 3701 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 508 In Los Angeles, CA. You may schedule an appointment by calling 213-352-1000, or visit https://kimmediationandlaw.com/
This article was originally posted on collaborativedivorcecalifornia.com.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in the US?
If you’re considering a divorce, you know there are a variety of factors to consider, from hiring an attorney to how to afford the divorce. Here’s what you need to know about the costs of a divorce. One of the most common questions people have is, “How much does a divorce cost?”
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to the divorce lawyer cost question or the average fees for a divorce. The costs for a divorce process vary, depending on such factors as whether or not you and your spouse agree on the major issues, and whether you will require the services of lawyers. The average total cost of divorce can range from about $500 to $11,000 and higher.
There are ways to get divorced without spending a fortune.
Whether you use a lawyer or not, you always have to pay a filing fee to begin your divorce, which usually costs several hundred dollars. The court fees are the same whether you and your spouse come to an agreement or have to go to trial. If you hire an attorney, you will pay legal fees in addition to court costs.
Average costs for divorce lawyers is a relative term. Different factors determine whether the lawyer’s fees will be on the high or low end of the spectrum. Things that factor into the overall cost of a divorce include:
If both parties agree on all major issues, including spousal maintenance, custody of minor children and property division, known as an uncontested divorce, you can keep the court costs relatively low by filing a joint petition without legal representation. If you do your own divorce without hired divorce lawyers (divorce forms are available online on most state court websites), reach a settlement agreement and your divorce is amicable, average fees could be under $500, depending on the divorce filing fees in your state. Unless you get a waiver based on your income, you must pay filing fees.
You may also have to pay a process server to have legal process served on your spouse (basically handing them the paperwork). Average total fees for this are $50 or less for a process server, depending on where you live.
If you and your spouse each work with a law firm and hire lawyers, the average cost of divorce for experienced family law attorneys fees in the U.S. is $11,300. These are the average fees, which means your case could cost a lot more or a lot less. The median cost of experienced attorneys’ fees is $7,000. If you and your spouse are able to come to an agreement quickly, you won’t pay this much. But if you have to go to a trial, you will pay a substantial amount, which could be more than the average fees if your case is complex.
Law firms bill by the hour in most situations. The average fees for an attorney’s rate is $270 an hour, but can vary from several hundred dollars to more than $500 an hour if you use a full scope divorce lawyer, a lawyer who handles every step of the process. This also varies with the lawyer’s location, experience, and the complexity of your case.
Most lawyers require a retainer fee or deposit upfront.
How much do the top divorce lawyers make?
Annual Salary
Hourly Wage
Top Earners
$140,633
$67
75th Percentile
$130,300
$63
Average
$113,564
$55
25th Percentile
$98,700
$47
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in the USA?
Divorce is a legal process and a qualified divorce attorney can help you navigate the process. You may not need an attorney if you are pursuing an uncontested divorce, but you will need for most other types of divorce. They are experts in divorce law and can help you avoid common pitfalls.