Chicago Attorney Answers FAQs About Divorce Costs
Divorce can be an expensive proposition for anyone - in both the emotional and financial sense. That is why, at Nottage and Ward, LLP, we have devoted our practice entirely in the pursuit of family law. By specializing and focusing on our client’s needs – especially in divorce proceedings – we are able to manage the economic outcome more effectively. Of course, there are no certainties, as each case is as unique as the people involved, but our primary goal is to ensure your stability throughout the process as well as your financial well-being in the future. To find out more, call us at (312) 332-2915, contact us online or continue reading below.
How much will my divorce cost and how long will it take? Will my spouse have to pay my fees?
Will my spouse have to pay my fees?
What makes a divorce more expensive and longer to settle?
How can I lower the cost of my divorce?
Can my divorce last for years?
How can I get an estimate on how much my divorce will cost and how long it will last?
Q: How much will my divorce cost and how long will it take? Will my spouse have to pay my fees?
A: 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.
Q: Will my spouse have to pay my fees?
A: 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.
Q: What makes a divorce more expensive and longer to settle?
A: While every case varies, issues relating to child allocation, visitation, child support, adoption, property division, paternity, and other family law matters can cause a divorce to last longer and therefore accumulate more costs.
Q: How can I lower the cost of my divorce?
A: 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.
Q: Can my divorce last for years?
A: 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.
Q: How can I get an estimate on how much my divorce will cost and how long it will last?
A: 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.
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Client Reviews
5 Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for
Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for in a very complicated, emotional matter. She has continuously looked out for my best interest and the best interest of my son. She is always prompt in getting back to me and in keeping me well informed about my case.
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