Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
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
Can you get a divorce without a lawyer?
A divorce lawyer helps file paperwork and negotiate the division of assets and custody during a divorce. If you can mediate every issue outside court, a divorce can cost a lot less than average and will be over sooner. If the divorce is amicable and you have no major assets or debts, you may be able to file the paperwork on your own. Just be aware that it is a time-consuming and frustrating process and may be delayed further if there are any mistakes in the paperwork.
Should I get a divorce lawyer?
You should hire a divorce attorney if your case is complicated or there is little chance of arranging terms without outside mediation. Common reasons for hiring a divorce lawyer include:
Child custody disputes
Child support disputes
Excessive debts
Significant assets (e.g., cash, car, or house)
Do divorce lawyers work on contingency?
Divorce lawyers do not typically work on contingency, which means receiving a percentage of a settlement only if they win the case. Instead, divorce lawyers commonly charge per hour or work on retainer. Discuss fees and payment options with your lawyer before any casework begins.
Who pays for a divorce lawyer?
Both parties usually hire different divorce lawyers. This way, both parties are equally and objectively represented by someone who will advocate for them. Each party is responsible for the cost of their own representation.
How do I choose a divorce lawyer?
Start by searching our list of divorce lawyers, then:
Get 3+ estimates from different firms to compare.
Read reviews about previous cases on Thervo and Google.
Choose a lawyer with a good reputation and experience.
Verify that they passed the bar and are able to represent you.
Get a written estimate and contract before any casework begins.
Follow a payment plan instead of making large payments up front.
What questions should I ask a divorce lawyer?
When looking for a divorce lawyer near you, consider asking the following questions:
How long have you been practicing law?
When did you pass the bar?
Do you give free consultations?
Are you able to take on new clients at this time?
What are your rates? Do you charge by the hour, or do you work on contingency?
Will you give me a contract in writing?
Reviews for Philadelphia divorce lawyers
Recent success stories from people in the Philadelphia area.
Tomi D.
Aregbesola Law understand you as a client and puts themselves in your shoes! They are fast, efficient and quite a breather to with. I will continue to use Aregbesola Law for ANY and EVERY legal need.
Aregbesola Law
Ian H.
Professional handled everything well ... Kept me informed and other clients got rid of their lawyer and asked for his number...great experience
Dover & Associates
Karen D.
He was easily accessible to answer any questions I may have had. Very personable!
Law Offices of Cristian Towers
Marta K.
I worked with Maria Testa of Testa and Pagnanelli from October 2015 to March 2017 for my custody proceedings in Philadelphia. From my initial consultation, I was convinced that I had made the right choice. Maria was knowledgeable, calm, and very sympathetic. Being a mother, herself, she really understood how to combine the human side of these proceedings with the legal side. In addition, Maria's communication and organization is unparalleled. She would reply to every email I sent (and there were many!) within hours if not minutes. No question was too small. She truly understood my side of these proceedings, and, moreover, knew how to turn my hopes into actionable motions that gave results.
I would recommend Maria Testa and Testa & Pagnanelli to anyone and want to thank Maria for her dedication to me and my daughter.
Testa & Pagnanelli, LLC
How Thervo works
Search
Search, get cost estimates, contact therapists, and book—all for free.
Compare
View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring.
Hire
Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right therapist when you're ready.