What does a divorce lawyer do?
Divorce lawyers guide spouses through ending a marriage — dividing property and debts, deciding on spousal support, and, when there are children, working out custody and child support. Each state has its own rules for how marital property is divided and how support is calculated.
Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, having an attorney review agreements before you sign protects you from costly mistakes, such as overlooking retirement accounts, business interests or tax consequences.
Common divorce cases
- Uncontested divorce
- Contested divorce and trial
- Division of property, retirement and business interests
- Alimony / spousal support
- High-asset divorce
- Mediation
When should you hire a divorce lawyer?
- You or your spouse has decided to file
- There are significant assets, a business or retirement accounts to divide
- You and your spouse disagree about children or support
How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
Divorce attorneys usually charge hourly against a retainer. Flat-fee packages are common for uncontested divorces where both spouses already agree on the terms.
Questions to ask in your consultation
- Is my case a good fit for mediation?
- How does this state divide marital property?
- What is a realistic budget and timeline for my divorce?