When it comes to divorce, the cost of a lawyer can vary greatly depending on the issues that need to be resolved. In New York, the type of divorce you are filing for is the first factor that will affect the cost of your divorce. If you are filing for a no-fault or fault divorce, you will likely need to hire a lawyer from a reputable family law firm. A good divorce lawyer can quickly assess your situation, set priorities, and create a plan for success.
Since divorce lawyers charge by the hour, the cost of your divorce can be quite high. However, the most influential factor in determining the cost of your divorce is your spouse. New York divorce law allows the court to award attorney fees at its discretion, but this is not something you can count on when you make the decision to hire an attorney. Generally speaking, an uncontested divorce is much less expensive than a contested one.
It can be difficult to estimate how much your divorce will cost since you may not know how your spouse will react to your request for a divorce. If you are filing for a no-fault divorce, you may be in a better position with the court than your spouse. After filling out the necessary forms, the court will issue you a divorce decree. Depending on the amount awarded by the court, you may need to cover any additional costs or pay more withholding depending on your agreement with your lawyer.
