Getting a divorce is not only emotionally stressful, but also involves several costs that can make the entire process expensive. Divorce cases in which the spouses reach an agreement outside the court are uncontested divorces. They cost less than the divorce cases that go on trial and are known as contested divorces.
Therefore, it is advisable to work out on terms and get one of the most reliable uncontested divorce lawyers in Virginia. The attorneys of the law firm of John W. Lee, P.C. are the best in the district as they have handled over ten thousand cases and have over 70 years of legal expertise.
The actual total costs of your divorce in Virginia depend on factors like:
- Type of divorce you are filing, whether contested or uncontested
- The complicated issues in your case
- The billing structure of the lawyer you hire.
The divorce lawyers understand how difficult and financially strenuous it can be when going to a family court for legal separation and the costs involved. Hence, they act sensitively and make the process as painless as possible with the best possible solutions for you.
There are 3 main costs involved in your divorce case.
Lawyer’s Fees
Ensure you have clarity on your lawyer’s billing structure in Virginia before hiring them.
- Many lawyers charge on an hourly basis
- They also charge a retainer fee (non-refundable) for starting your case
- Lawyers might also charge flat-fee which are to be paid in one go.
- Different lawyers use different combinations of an hourly fee, flat fees, and retainer fees
- The ratio between these fees depends on the law firm and the case
Property Divisions
Usually in Virginia, any property acquired or earned during the marriage is divided equally between the two of you. This includes:
- Home
- Any savings or retirement accounts
- All shared items like furniture, silverware, etc.
- Negative assets like shared loans and debts
Separate property includes assets like items belonging to a spouse before marriage, inheritances, or gifts exclusively to one spouse. Lower the overall cost of your divorce by showing certain property as separate rather than marital.
Post-divorce Costs
There will be expenses after the divorce too.
- Child support: Parents have to provide financial support to their children till they are 18 years old.
- Alimony: Spousal support payments if your spouse has been financially dependent on you
- Filing your taxes due to marital status change: spouses receiving the alimony will have to pay taxes as this is a source of income.
The price of filing for divorce might vary greatly depending on a variety of circumstances. As a result, it’s very hard to provide a precise figure without first learning more about your situation. Finally, hiring the correct lawyer during your Virginia divorce is the best approach to save money.
