Paulette Hamilton | November 29, 2024 | Divorce
Divorce can be emotionally challenging, and navigating the financial aspects can add another layer of stress. The cost of a divorce in Florida can vary widely, depending on the specifics of your case. At the Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, our Orlando divorce attorneys understand that every divorce is unique. In this blog, we break down the factors that influence divorce costs in Florida to help you better prepare and budget.
Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
If spouses agree and qualify for a simplified dissolution of marriage, that is the quickest and least expensive divorce proceeding in Florida. The requirements for a simplified dissolution of marriage are:
- One or both spouses have been Florida residents for at least six months.
- Both spouses agree the marriage cannot be saved.
- The spouses have no minor children together, no children were born during the marriage, and the wife is not pregnant.
- The spouses agree on how to divide their assets and debts.
- Neither spouse seeks spousal support or alimony.
- The spouses agree to give up their right to a trial and appeal.
You and your spouse must sign the divorce papers at the clerk’s office. Both of you must be willing to appear at a final hearing together.
However, you cannot use this process if either spouse disagrees about any matter related to the divorce. In that case, lawyers may need to be involved, and the cost of the divorce may increase.
What Factors Affect How Much a Divorce Costs in Florida?
Because each divorce case is unique, there is not an average cost for a divorce. Factors that could impact the cost of a divorce in Florida include, but are not limited to:
- Whether one or both spouses dispute child custody (i.e., a custody battle)
- The amount and type of marital assets owned by the spouses
- Disputes about child support
- The ages and number of children or dependents
- Disputes about how to divide shared property and debts (i.e., property division)
- Allegations of domestic abuse, hidden assets, or other wrongdoing by a spouse
- Whether the parties can negotiate a divorce settlement or the case goes to trial
- The need for expert witnesses and other professionals
Other factors may impact the cost of your divorce — generally, the more complex the case, the higher the cost. However, there are ways to minimize the cost of a divorce.
Ways to Minimize the Cost of a Divorce in Florida
If you are concerned about the cost of a Florida divorce, the first step is to talk with a divorce attorney about your situation. During a consultation, the attorney will discuss several legal options for reducing the cost of the divorce, such as mediation and settlement negotiations instead of litigation. However, settling your divorce out of court depends mainly on how cooperative you and your spouse will be during the process.
Focusing on your long-term goals and what is best for you and your children can help you let go of some things that are not important enough to fight about. Minimizing the issues you and your spouse argue about can reduce the cost of the divorce.
Discuss with your attorney whether you have grounds to ask your spouse to pay a portion of your attorneys’ fees. Create a realistic budget. Track your income and expenses to determine where to cut costs to save money for the divorce.
Attorneys’ Fees for a Divorce in Orlando, FL
The attorneys’ fees for a divorce lawyer can be a significant portion of the costs of a divorce. However, proceeding with a divorce action without experienced legal counsel could cost you far more in the long run.
Orlando divorce lawyers generally charge by the hour for divorces. Clio, a legal software company, compares hourly rates for attorneys in Florida and other states. According to their research, the average hourly rate for attorneys in Florida is between $89 and $520.
The hourly rate varies by practice area. The average rate for an attorney practicing family law is $339 per hour. Some attorneys charge less per hour, while others charge more per hour. Many factors determine an attorney’s hourly rate, including their experience and reputation.
Factors in your case can impact how much an attorney charges for a divorce. The total fees depend on factors such as the complexity of the case, how long it takes the parties to settle, and whether your case goes to court. The longer a divorce takes to resolve, the more the attorney may need to charge.
Contact our Orlando Divorce Lawyers at Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, contact our experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We serve all through Florida and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our office at:
Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers