Divorce is a complex process that can be expensive and time-consuming. The cost of a divorce in New York State depends on the issues that need to be resolved and the type of legal help you seek. Nearly eight out of ten New York readers had legal help with their divorces, and the vast majority (83%) of those readers hired what is known as a “full lawyer,” meaning that the lawyer took care of everything in the divorce case, from start to finish. Many of the same factors that increase the cost of divorce also influence the time it takes to complete a divorce. The cost of a divorce does not include the cost of an attorney, photocopies, notary fees, transportation, mail, process server fees, etc.
Your attorney's fees will vary depending on the issues you have to resolve in your divorce. Because divorce lawyers almost always charge by the hour, your lawyer's hourly rate will be the first component of your total costs. A mediator is not a lawyer, but they can help you by facilitating face-to-face negotiations between you and your spouse at a fraction of the cost of an attorney. A divorce is contested when you and your spouse disagree on part, most, or part of the divorce. Since many judges favor “no-fault” divorces over “no-fault” divorces, when you seek a “no-fault” divorce, you'll be in a better position with the Court than your spouse.
Since divorce lawyers charge for contested divorces every hour, the cost of your divorce will be remarkably high. One of the questions I am often asked as a Buffalo divorce lawyer is how much the divorce process is going to cost and how they will pay for it. The cost of a divorce can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your case and whether or not you are able to reach an agreement with your spouse. It is important to understand all of the costs associated with getting a divorce so that you can plan accordingly.
