Divorce Costs: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a typical divorce cost?

This is one of the biggest questions on most people's minds when facing the prospect of divorce. The cost can vary depending on your unique situation.

There are a number of factors that determine divorce costs in Florida. The nature of your divorce, whether it's contested or uncontested - plays a major role. 

An uncontested divorce is where you and your spouse can agree on all the terms. This kind of divorce will generally be less expensive than a highly contested divorce.  

One strategy to minimize the costs is pursuing an uncontested or mediated divorce. Understanding typical costs is wise, but each divorce is unique when it comes to expenses.

What factors affect the total cost?

Some of the major factors that impact divorce costs include:

• Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested
• If you have minor children requiring child custody or support decisions 
• How many assets and debts you need to divide
• Your state's divorce laws and filing fees
• If you need to go through mediation or an actual court trial

What is usually the biggest expense?

For most couples, attorney's fees make up the largest portion of total divorce costs. In a contested divorce, each spouse will have their own lawyer. 

The cost will depend on the attorney's experience level and location. The more issues you can settle outside of court, the lower your legal fees will likely be.

Are there ways to reduce costs?

Yes, there are some strategies that may help minimize expenses:

• Consider an uncontested divorce if you can come to an agreement with your spouse on the terms
• Look into divorce mediation, which is usually cheaper than litigation
• Avoid conflicts over smaller issues and pick your battles over the larger assets or debts
• Do your homework and organize financial documents in advance
• Explore fixed fee billing instead of hourly rates with attorneys

Can I get assistance with costs?

For those with low incomes who can't afford divorce fees, some legal aid services may be able to help or point you toward pro bono (free) options. 

However, these resources are limited. Also, your divorce decree can address how legal fees are divided between spouses.

Bottom line

A successful divorce require some financial planning. Understanding the potential costs ahead of time can help you prepare and pursue the most cost-effective path. 

Don't hesitate to ask plenty of questions to your attorney about fees and payment options.