Getting a divorce is not only emotionally difficult but can be financially difficult as well. Even if your divorce is amicable and resolved quickly, there are still fees associated with filing for divorce. For some couples, the cost can be thousands of dollars, and in complicated situations it can go as high as tens of thousands. Before filing for divorce, it’s important to consider the financial impact, including who pays for the cost.
There are several factors that go into the cost of filing for divorce. How long a divorce takes to settle, whether or not the divorce is contested, and the complexities of your situation will all impact the filing cost. Most of the common costs of filing for divorce are:
Some attorneys charge by the hour while others will charge a flat fee for a certain amount of hours and tasks. Your attorney should be up front about their costs so you can be prepared. Remember, when hiring a divorce attorney, you do often get what you pay for. A good attorney can save you both money and stress in the long run.
Filing and court fees are unavoidable. They are usually several hundred dollars.
The more complex your divorce or financial situation is, the higher these costs will be.
You will pay all the fees for acquiring and copying documents, as well as messenger and delivery costs.
Family therapy, court-ordered mediation, and other counseling services are sometimes a necessary expense and are unavoidable.
When filing for divorce in Ohio, it’s assumed that you will pay your own costs and your spouse will pay their own costs. Each spouse will pay their own attorney or any expert services they hire. However, there are usually shared costs, such as court-ordered mediation. In addition, one spouse may be able to afford more costs, which will lead to inequity. In these cases, the court will usually determine who is responsible for paying certain fees. Usually if one spouse was the primary breadwinner and will be paying spousal support, they may also be ordered to pay for the other spouse’s attorney and legal fees.
Your attorney may be part of the cost of filing for divorce, but your attorney can also guide you through the process to get you the best outcome and to help you navigate the process without unpleasant surprises, so having a trusted, experienced attorney is well worth the cost. An attorney can answer questions about what fees are included in filing for divorce, whether or not you could be responsible for paying for your spouse’s legal fees, and whether your spouse will be responsible for paying for yours. Your attorney can prepare you for what to expect through the process.
If you are considering filing for divorce, one of the most important things you can do is research everything that will be involved in the process, including the costs. Speaking with an attorney can prepare you for everything you might encounter so you can be emotionally and financially prepared. If you’re facing a divorce filing, either initiated by you or your spouse, contact my office today to discuss your unique situation. You don’t have to face this process alone.