It’s natural to wonder about the cost of divorce before you file. Paying more than you need to is the last thing you want to do. The reality is that divorce can get expensive if you don’t know what you are doing. While there’s no easy answer when someone asks us, “how much does divorce cost,” we can give you an idea what you will need to have available. Let’s take a closer look at the aspects that affect the cost of a divorce in Colorado and how you can cut expenses.
Divorce Cost in the United States
The average cost of divorce in the United States is around $15,500 and the typical rate of a divorce attorney sits close to $250 an hour. Determining the cost of divorce requires that you look at several key aspects. The first main factor to consider is the divorce method used and the divorce law professional you chose to help you. Then, you must factor in the complexities of your case. The more willing you and your spouse are to work together, the lower the price also remains. As you add in custody, father’s rights, mother’s rights and other elements, the price starts to rise exponentially.
Cost of Divorce in Colorado
The typical cost of divorce in Colorado averages around $14,500. Depending on your needs, it could be as little as $4,500 to as much as $32,000. If there are no children involved, the cost for a divorce might be lower. That’s because you don’t need to iron out joint custody, father’s rights or mother’s rights and other related matters to divorcing with children.
Cost of a Divorce Lawyer
When you are trying to figure out the cost of divorce, it makes sense to consider what you will pay an attorney. The average Colorado divorce attorney fees are $11,400, depending on your needs. Still, an accurate estimate can’t be given until a lawyer evaluates your circumstances. At South Denver Law, we don’t charge anything for your initial consultation. That allows us time to meet with you and learn about your specific case. Once we have this consultation done, we will be able to offer a detailed breakdown of divorce costs. We will discuss payment information as well. There are times when all your out-of-pocket costs can be charged to the other spouse, so that’s something to consider as well.
How Much Does it Cost to File for a Divorce?
Aside from attorney fees, the cost to file for divorce in Colorado rises due to the filings you must perform. Divorce is considered a civil matter and requires the use of the local court. To get started, you must file a petition for dissolution of marriage where you live. This cost averages about $300 nationwide. If you file electronically, you might be able to spend less. There are also additional fees if you need certified copies, have additional motions or other petitions that need to be filed. The more complicated your divorce is the more paperwork that will be involved. If you need to file for custody, alimony, child support or have a property to divide, you might have additional fees.
Don’t Attempt to File a Divorce Alone
Trying to file for divorce without adequate representation could cost you more in the long run. You must have qualified representation if you want the best outcome from your filing. With Thomas Ramunda, you can expect to pay minimal costs to achieve maximum results. With more than 25 years’ experience, you can count on this Denver divorce lawyer to fight for you.