The average cost of a divorce lawyer is $100 to $400 an hour or $7,000 to $15,000 total. The price of a divorce lawyer varies by location, whether the divorce is contested, and if there are any custody disputes.
You will probably pay a retainer fee, or an upfront amount paid before any legal work begins. A retainer is based on the lawyer's hourly rate and acts as a down payment that covers the costs of future hours. Many divorce lawyers apply the retainer to the total bill. The size of the retainer depends on the issues discussed during a free consultation:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Alimony or spousal support
- The division of property
- The division of debts