How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

Getting a divorce is not an easy decision to make. However, when a committed relationship has run its course, it may be the best option for all involved. One of the many questions people ask when facing a divorce is ‘how much does a divorce cost’. There’s no easy answer to this question. Below, we take a look at the costs you can expect when filing for divorce.

Costs to Expect in the Divorce Process in Philadelphia

The cost of divorce in Philadelphia can vary significantly, depending on various factors. In general, individuals can spend an average of between $9,500 and $11,500 while filing for divorce. However, you can spend as little as $2000 on divorce too. The cost of divorce varies widely based on individual circumstances, legal complexities, and choices made during the divorce process. The following are some expenses you may encounter in the divorce process:

Attorney Fees

Attorney fees are a significant portion of divorce costs. In Philadelphia, hiring an attorney may cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the complexity of your case, the attorney's experience, and whether it's a contested or uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces tend to be less expensive as they involve less legal work.

Court Fees

Filing fees for divorce cases in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas vary depending on whether it's a mutual consent divorce, a no-fault divorce, or a fault-based divorce. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the filing fee for a mutual consent divorce was around $295, while a no-fault divorce had a filing fee of around $289. These fees may have changed since then.

Additional Costs

Child Custody Evaluations: If you have children and require a child custody evaluation, this can be a significant additional cost. The cost of a custody evaluation can range from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000, depending on the complexity and the professionals involved.

Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): If you and your spouse choose to use mediation or ADR services to resolve disputes instead of going through litigation, you will need to pay for these services. Mediation costs can vary but are often less expensive than a lengthy court battle.

Property Division: The cost of dividing marital assets can also vary depending on the complexity of the assets involved. If you have significant assets or complicated financial holdings, it may involve additional expenses.

Alimony and Child Support: If alimony or child support is a part of your divorce agreement, there may be legal fees associated with establishing, modifying, or enforcing these orders.

Expert Witnesses: In some cases, you may need expert witnesses, such as financial experts or appraisers, to provide testimony or evaluations. These experts will charge fees for their services.

Post-Divorce Costs

After the divorce is finalized, there may be ongoing costs related to child support, alimony, or property division enforcement or modification, and these costs should be factored into your overall budget.

Why Hire a Divorce Attorney

Hiring a skilled divorce lawyer can actually contribute to cost efficiency in several ways. While it might seem counterintuitive due to attorney fees, the expertise and experience of a good divorce lawyer can ultimately save you money by helping you navigate the legal process more effectively. Here are some ways in which a skilled divorce lawyer can help with cost efficiency:

Legal Knowledge and Experience

A skilled divorce lawyer understands the local laws, procedures, and regulations, which can help streamline the process and avoid costly mistakes. They can guide you through the legal complexities of divorce more efficiently.

Negotiation and Settlement

Experienced divorce lawyers are adept at negotiation and can work to achieve favorable settlements without going to trial. This can save significant costs associated with lengthy court battles, including court fees, expert witness fees, and trial preparation expenses.

Asset Valuation and Division

In cases involving complex financial assets or property, a skilled lawyer can help ensure that assets are accurately valued and fairly divided, preventing disputes and potential post-divorce litigation.

Child Custody and Support Matters

Skilled lawyers can help you navigate child custody and support issues efficiently. They can work to establish fair agreements, reducing the likelihood of costly disputes or modifications in the future.

Legal Documentation

Lawyers are experienced in preparing the necessary legal documents, ensuring that they are accurate and comply with legal requirements. Mistakes in legal documentation can be costly and time-consuming to rectify.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

A skilled attorney can guide you through mediation or ADR processes, which are often more cost-effective than litigation. They can help you reach agreements with your spouse in a less adversarial and more collaborative manner.

Avoiding Emotional Decisions

Emotions can run high during a divorce, and impulsive decisions can lead to financial consequences. A skilled attorney can provide objective advice and help you make rational choices that are in your long-term financial interest.

Enforcing and Modifying Orders

If issues arise post-divorce, such as non-compliance with court orders or the need for modifications, an experienced lawyer can represent your interests and help you avoid unnecessary legal battles.

Reducing Stress and Time Spent

A divorce lawyer can alleviate the stress and burden of handling complex legal matters on your own. This can free up your time and energy for other important aspects of your life, such as your career and family.

Contact Us For Consultation

Wondering how much getting a divorce would cost you? Every case is unique, and costs can vary widely. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim we work hard to protect the best interests of our clients. We will work to speed up the process and minimize your expenses. We will fight to secure the best possible outcome. Get in touch with us to discuss the details of your case and learn about our fees and the value we offer.