When you first got married, you were in love like in the movies. Then as the years went by and your kids grew older, your marriage fell apart!
Though you may feel lonely, you’re not alone. The CDC reported 782,038 divorces in 2018!
No one plans to go through a divorce, and the whole process gets overwhelming for one person to manage on top of their normal life. That’s why most people choose to hire a family lawyer to help get you through it.
But, will hiring a lawyer put you into bankruptcy? Keep reading to learn the cost of a family lawyer before you start your interview process.
What Is a Family Lawyer?
A family lawyer is someone who specializes in laws relating to family life. These lawyers handle more than divorces, though that is often the bulk of their cases. Here are the different types of family law you may need to hire a lawyer for.
Marriage and Divorce
This is what most people think about when they think of family law. The lawyer might handle prenuptial agreements, divorce, spousal support, and division of property.
Legal Issues Involving Children
If you need help negotiating child custody, child support, or adoption, you may need to get a family lawyer involved. Another legal child-related issue a lawyer might help with is paternity testing.
Other Family Law Case Types
Other family-related legal issues a lawyer might help with are emancipation of a minor, power of attorney designation, estate issues, inheritance issues, and legal name changes. Even if your loved one has a will and testament, you might want a lawyer to help execute their final wishes.
Make sure to do your research to find the best lawyer. Read more here for great examples of family lawyers with good bios so you can get to know them better.
What Is the Cost of a Family Lawyer?
Some lawyers charge more than others or have a different way of managing billing clients altogether! Be sure to ask upfront what fees they charge. These are some common kinds of charges your family lawyer might use.
By the Hour
This is one of the most common ways a lawyer charges for their services. Most family lawyers will charge somewhere around $250 an hour.
Retainer Fee
Think of this as a deposit or down payment on your legal services. The lawyer will then deduct from that retainer as they spend time on your case.
It’s Not the End of Your Life… It’s the Beginning of the Next Chapter
Once you get a good list of lawyers to interview, you can start interviewing them to find a lawyer that suits your needs. Be sure to ask each lawyer about their fee schedule to make sure they’re upfront about pricing.
While some couples choose to file for divorce without a lawyer, having one helps get you through the legal hoops with as little damage to your life and pocketbook as possible. You may even ask if your lawyer offers payment plans if you need financial help during this tumultuous time.
We hope this article helped you understand a little more about the cost of a family lawyer. If you’re looking for more great articles about finance, law, real estate, and more, check out the rest of our blog today!
