Chicago Divorce Attorneys

How much will my divorce cost and how long will it take? Will my spouse have to pay my fees?

Costs for a divorce in Illinois are determined by the time it takes to resolve the case. This has to do with a number of factors, including the complexity of the case. As we assess each specific case, we discuss our fee structure with every potential client.

It has been our experience that a relatively simple case usually can be resolved in about six months. More involved cases or a vigorously contested matter may take longer.

Will my spouse have to pay my fees?

Even if your spouse wants to file for divorce, and you do not, you may still have to pay for your own attorney fees. Depending on the circumstances of your specific situation, you and your spouse may split attorney fees equally. In some instances where one spouse cannot afford to pay attorney fees, the other spouse will pay for all or most of the attorney fees.

What makes a divorce more expensive and longer to settle?

While every case varies, issues relating to child custody, visitation, child support, adoption, property division, paternity, and other family law matters can cause a divorce to last longer and therefore accumulate more costs.

How can I lower the cost of my divorce?

Depending on the specifics of your case, there may not be a way to reduce the costs of your divorce. However, the more organized you are from the beginning, the easier it will be to get things started right away. Collect your financial records and documents and make sure to provide your Chicago family law attorney with this information in an organized fashion. Before you have your initial consultation, create a list of things to discuss with the attorney. It is also helpful to think about what types of answers and information an attorney will need from you.

Can my divorce last for years?

Hopefully not. But what's better: Rushing through a divorce so that it's over with only to get the short-end of the deal, or fighting until the end to obtain what you deserve so that you can restart your life fresh? Of course, your Chicago divorce lawyer will make sure that your case is handled as quickly as possible. Divorce is often an emotional and sometimes traumatic experience. A divorce attorney who's seen it all is going to do everything possible to make the process swift and effective. The more complex the case, the more time it may take to resolve. However, this doesn't mean a case will take years to settle.

How can I get an estimate on how much my divorce will cost and how long it will last?

Unfortunately, there is no set way of determining the exact costs of a particular divorce or its precise duration. In some instances, a person has to face unexpected aspects of breaking up, such as which party gets the house, which party needs spousal support, which party is accountable for bankruptcy, and other intricate financial issues. Generally, divorce cases that require a significant amount of negotiation, disputes and trial time will cost more because of the extensive and time consuming work that is essential for obtaining a positive result.

:: Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Meet us

Make sure we are the people you feel suit you and your situation. Ask us questions or set up an appointment with us:

Anti-Spam:   

   

Contact Us

10 N. Dearborn, 11th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.332.2915
Fax: 312.332.3075

We are proud sponsors of Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center.

To learn more, click here.

HomeOur FirmPartnersAssociates & StaffServicesPreparing for DivorceFAQMeet UsNewsEventsTestimonialsBlogContact Us

Illinois Divorce Lawyer Disclaimer: The Chicago dissolution of marriage, family law, divorce, or other legal information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact a Chicago Divorce Lawyer or Family Law Attorney for a consultation on your particular divorce matter. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of Illinois.

Copyright ©2012 Nottage and Ward, LLP. All Rights Reserved. Chicago Family Law Attorneys serving the communities of Illinois, including Chicago.

Website Design and Legal Internet Marketing by SLS Consulting | Sitemap