Paula Lock Smyth

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You are here: Home / Blog / How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

April 22, 2020 By Paula Lock Smyth

'Hour glass with coins on table'

Many family lawyers offer free consultations or charge clients a reduced fee for their initial consultations. If you are looking to find out how much your divorce will cost, the answer you will usually get is “it depends.” This is not a dodge — there are many factors that can impact the cost of a divorce, not the least of which is if your case is agreed or if it involves minor children.

Try to Reach Agreements with the Other Party Out of Court

Without a doubt, the biggest driver of costs in divorces are disagreements between the parties that require judicial resolution. This means that the best way to keep costs down in a divorce is to work out with your spouse as many of the issues as possible without the need to set a hearing on the issue. Simply put, amicable divorces are far less expensive than contentious ones. If there are issues you cannot agree on, talk to your attorney about the possibility of mediation, which is usually an effective way to resolve issues in a divorce.

Be Organized and Forthcoming with Your Attorney

As with all types of legal cases, clients that are organized and share the facts of their situation in a concise, yet thorough manner will be able to accomplish things more efficiently in their divorce. Your attorney needs to be fully informed before filing papers in court or preparing for a contested hearing. It is critical that those going through a divorce let their attorneys know all relevant information in order to make their attorney’s job easier, and thus cheaper for you.

Certain Costs are Unavoidable

It is important to understand, however, that no matter how amicable and diligent the parties are, certain costs are unavoidable in a divorce. There are filing fees, service of process fees, and other out of pocket costs associated with obtaining the necessary records and filing the necessary paperwork. It takes time to prepare well-drafted written agreements and orders when it comes to dividing property and determining custody of children no matter how amicable the divorce is. Additionally, certain courts or opposing counsel might make it necessary to spend more time on your case, therefore increasing the cost.

For More Information About Divorce, Contact an Experienced Dallas Family Law Attorney.

To schedule a free initial consultation with a Dallas Family Law Attorney, contact Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices at 214-420-1800.

Meet Paula Lock Smyth
Paula Lock Smyth

Paula Lock Smyth has practiced law in Texas since 1985, focusing on Family Law, Probate, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce. She is a trained mediator, seasoned litigator, and one of the early adopters of Collaborative Divorce in Texas. Paula is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the College of the State Bar and the Texas Bar Foundation and has served as Past President of Dallas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. She was a Master in the Annette Stewart Inn of Court and is a Charter Member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas. Her legal knowledge and decades of experience make her a trusted voice on matters that impact families across Dallas and surrounding counties.

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Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Divorce Costs, factors

Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices

2911 Turtle Creek Blvd. Ste. 300
Dallas, Texas 75219

Phone: 214-420-1800
Fax: 214-420-1801

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Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices
2911 Turtle Creek Blvd. Ste. 300
Dallas, Texas 75219

Phone: 214-420-1800
Fax: 214-420-1801

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The contents of this website does not imply legal advise or counsel and does not establish an attorney/client relationship. Please contact us for information on our policies regarding any relationship with clients, potential clients, or non-clients of our firm.

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  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    ▼
    • My Practice
    • Professional History
    • Memberships, Activities, Recognition
  • Practice Areas
    ▼
    • Divorce
    • Collaborative Divorce
    • Mediation
    • Parenting Rights
    • Probate, Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning
  • FAQs
    ▼
    • Just Been Served Papers? Now What?
    • Child Support FAQs
    • How Long Does It Take To Get A Divorce?
    • Is There Such a Thing as Legal Separation?
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  • Contact Us