How Much Does A Florida Divorce Cost?
Besides being complex and emotionally draining, divorce can also have financial implications. In fact, one of the most common questions we hear at our firm is “How much will my divorce cost?” Unfortunately, the answer can be quite complicated, as the cost of divorce always varies depending on the unique circumstances of a person’s case. Basically, how much a couple ends up spending on their divorce will depend on a few different factors.
Type of Divorce
One of the things that will dictate how expensive a divorce is in a particular case is the type of divorce in question. There are, for instance, two main types of divorce in Florida: contested and uncontested. A contested divorce occurs when a couple is unable to reach an agreement on things like alimony, property division, and child support and so must litigate those issues in court, leaving their resolution in the hands of a judge. An uncontested divorce, on the other hand, occurs when a couple is able to reach an agreement on these issues in an out-of-court setting. Generally, uncontested divorces tend to be far less costly than their contested counterparts, with the parties invoked able to save on court costs and attorney’s fees.
Case Complexity
Another factor that can affect the cost of divorce in Florida is the complexity of the case, with the more complex divorces tending to be more expensive. For instance, a couple with significant assets will likely require the assistance of financial experts, who can help identify and value assets. Hiring these kinds of specialists can quickly raise the cost of divorce.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Filing a divorce petition and pursuing a divorce in Florida is not without its own costs. There are fees, for example, for filing and for serving the divorce papers on the other spouse. These fees can quickly add up, vary by jurisdiction, and can change from year to year, which is why it’s so important to work with an experienced divorce attorney who is well-versed in these rules and can ensure that your case isn’t dismissed due to a failure to pay court fees.
Legal Fees
Not all divorce lawyers charge the same for their services, but most bill their clients by the hour. This means that the cost of hiring an attorney will vary depending on your attorney’s hourly rates and how long he or she spends on your case. Again, the complexity of a couple’s case will come into play here, with more complicated cases usually requiring more of an attorney’s time and so resulting in a higher bill.
Reach Out to Our Office by Phone or Online Message
If you have questions about the cost of finalizing your divorce, please call experienced Florida divorce lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. for help. We can give you an estimate of what you can expect to pay based on the unique circumstances of your case. Call us today at 954-945-7591 to set up a free consultation.
Sources:
floridabar.org/public/consumer/pamphlet010/
forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/florida-divorce/