If you’re considering divorce, you may want a consultation first. Here’s what you can expect.
by The Marble Team
Divorce in the United States typically costs thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. But the exact amount may be significantly higher or lower depending on the specifics of your case. So let’s face it: If you’re considering pursuing a divorce, the cost is likely something on your mind.
One important but often underused tool to help you gain a better understanding of what your divorce case might tally up to is an initial divorce consultation.
This article explains the different types of initial divorce consultations, including both paid and free divorce consultations and what to expect from each. It also discusses how to prepare for your consultation so you can get the most out of your scheduled time and things to think about when choosing an attorney to assist with your case.
Schedule a free 15-min call with our team today
Get StartedThe initial consultation with an attorney is often one of the first steps in the divorce process. This may be an opportunity to vet potential lawyers to represent you moving forward.
Even if you ultimately choose not to hire a divorce lawyer, the initial consultation may still be beneficial. It can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and your options moving forward.
That said, not all divorce attorneys handle the initial consultation in the same way. Below are some examples of the types of initial divorce consultations, so you have a better idea of what you may expect.
One common option that attorneys may offer is a paid consultation at the attorney’s standard billing rate. For example, say an attorney’s hourly rate is $250 per hour, and they spend one hour reviewing your case details and discussing your case and options with you. In this instance, the consultation fee would be $250.
People are often hesitant to pay a fee for an attorney’s time before even deciding whether to hire them. However, doing so may be beneficial in the long run. Paying this fee may help ensure that the client receives dedicated time and attention from the attorney, allowing for a more thorough review and comprehensive legal analysis of the case.
Alternatively, some divorce firms may offer a free initial consultation. As the name implies, this type of consultation is free, so there is no hourly rate or flat fee charged for the attorney’s time spent during this consultation.
This is often an opportunity to discuss the basic details of your case with an attorney to see if they have the background, experience and bandwidth necessary to represent you moving forward. Notably, because this consultation is free, it’s not uncommon for attorneys to place certain limitations on the meeting. Below are some examples of such limitations:
Since there’s no standard way in which a free consultation must operate, if you see a free divorce consultation advertised, you may want to contact the attorney to ask for details before signing up.
Some firms may offer a hybrid of the above options. For example, this might look like a free initial call with an intake representative to begin, and then a small fee for a more in-depth strategy session with a lawyer.
During the free initial call, an intake specialist or paralegal may:
This may allow the attorney to have a more focused and detailed discussion of the case with the potential client during the strategy meeting. And it reduces the time the attorney spends on the intake and meeting preparation process. In the end, this may help maximize the attorney’s time and reduce the cost to the potential client.
Regardless of whether you schedule a free or paid consultation, most clients and attorneys find it helpful if the client has some basic information prepared in advance. This way, the client is ready if questions about these details arise during the meeting. And that means you use your time effectively and efficiently.
Below are some examples of information and documents you may wish to gather:
The initial consultation often provides clients greater clarity on their legal options and the strengths and weaknesses of their case.
It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the attorney to determine whether they might be a good fit for you. During your initial divorce consultation, consider asking about topics such as:
There are many divorce lawyers to choose from, but not all will be right for your needs and goals. Many people find it advantageous to hire an attorney with some or all of the following attributes:
Compatibility is another thing to keep in mind. You’ll likely disclose a great deal of information and spend a significant amount of time with your divorce attorney. So many people select someone they trust and can see themselves working with until their case is settled, however long that may take.
The initial divorce consultation is only the first step. Although you’re under no obligation to hire any attorney you consult with, having legal representation in your corner for your divorce may be beneficial.
An experienced family law and divorce attorney may help you:
Our experienced team would love to help you move forward. Schedule a free 15-minute call so we can connect you with an experienced attorney.
The current average hourly rate for divorce attorneys in the United States is around $270 per hour. But the cost of a divorce lawyer in any given case may vary widely depending on a variety of factors such as the attorney’s geographic location and their level of experience. It’s also worth noting that while many attorneys charge an hourly rate, some may also offer their services on a flat-fee basis.
An uncontested divorce is generally cheaper than a contested divorce. However, this option won’t be feasible in every case. An uncontested divorce requires both parties to reach an agreement on all underlying terms of the divorce. Further, just because a divorce is uncontested doesn’t mean it will necessarily be “cheap.” Even in uncontested divorces, there may be filing fees, mediation costs and other expenses that you need to pay.
No, you don’t need a lawyer to get a divorce. The parties are generally permitted to represent themselves in divorce proceedings, and it’s not uncommon for individuals to do so in certain circumstances. That said, having an attorney’s guidance and legal expertise in divorce law and proceedings may provide significant value to your case moving forward, especially if your spouse has their own attorney.
Finding a good lawyer for your divorce may require some research. Many people choose to look for someone with extensive experience handling general family law matters as well as specifically divorce cases. Checking online reviews and testimonials from past clients and other attorneys in the area may be another way to find a good divorce lawyer who has achieved positive results in the past and has a positive reputation in the legal community.
Disclaimer: This article is provided as general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect the current laws in your state. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not a substitute for seeking legal counsel based on the facts of your circumstance. No reader should act based on this article without seeking legal advice from a lawyer licensed in their state.
This page includes links to third party websites. The inclusion of third party websites is not an endorsement of their services.
We’re Marble, the law firm that’s here to move you forward. Get the legal help you need—when you need it most. We believe in being 100% transparent: from explaining what the process looks like to how much it costs before you start.
Attorney Advertising. The individuals represented in photographs on this website may not be attorneys or clients, and could be fictional portrayals by actors or models. The Service is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on the Service without first seeking the advice of any attorney. The Service is not intended as advertising or solicitation in any jurisdiction where the Service would be so characterized and fails to comply with all applicable laws and ethical rules of that jurisdiction. Marble is a licensed California PC and accepts clients for our practice areas within California. For our Federal immigration practice, we service clients throughout the country. In our specific practice areas available in other states, any and all legal work performed for a client residing outside of California will be undertaken only by an attorney who is licensed to practice law in that jurisdiction. One of our firm’s practice areas is bankruptcy, and we are therefore considered a debt relief agency by Federal law. We help certain clients file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Please find out more here. Marble PC does not seek to represent clients in jurisdictions where doing so would be unauthorized.
