Posted On June 24, 2024 Divorce
For those unfamiliar with the legal process for getting a divorce in Seattle, the assumption may be that the fee charged by a divorce lawyer is the only cost to consider. In fact, several other costs come into play before you even get to the calculations of settlements, alimony, and child support. One of the most important factors in computing the cost of a divorce lawyer in Seattle is to understand the different costs and fees that are involved.
One of the most important things to understand is the difference between fees and costs. Fees generally refer to what your divorce lawyer in Seattle charges you for their services. Most divorce lawyers charge an hourly rate for divorce cases. One exception may be an uncontested divorce, which may be charged at a flat rate.
Costs, on the other hand, start with the court’s charge for filing divorce papers in Seattle. Other costs often incurred in a contested divorce may include investigators, expert witnesses, accountants, and psychiatrists. Other professionals may also be needed to help gather evidence or support the positions taken by each party in the divorce.
For example, suppose one of the parties has attempted to hide or undervalue assets to limit the amount of alimony to be ordered by the court. In that case, an accountant may be required to analyze the actual value of the assets of the marriage.
The bulk of the money spent on a divorce filed in Seattle will most likely be the amount of lawyer fees incurred. Surveys have been compiled by a variety of media sources to determine the cost of divorce in each state, including Washington. The Forbes survey, published in 2023, found that the average cost of a divorce across the United States is $7,567. Washington comes in at number nine on the list, with a median cost of about $8,400 for lawyer fees.
Some other surveys show that the costs can be even higher. A FindLaw survey estimates that the cost will be about $10,000 for each spouse, almost three times the figure in the Forbes survey. The total projection in both surveys is based upon the hourly-rate model used by most law firms handling contested divorces. One survey shows that the average hourly rate in 2023 was $312.
Since every divorce has factors that make it unique, it is important to understand some of the most common issues addressed in a divorce proceeding. These issues can affect the total cost of a divorce in Washington.
Some of the most common factors that affect the total cost of a divorce in Washington include:
In addition to the financial picture, if you and your spouse have had children together, the court must decide issues about custody, visitation, and child support. The court is charged with using the “best interest of the child” standard in determining these issues and must make the best decisions regardless of what the divorcing couple wants. The court may even appoint representatives to serve the best interests of the children, often called a “guardian ad litem.” The court could also require that the children or the entire family go through counseling as part of its order, either during or after the court proceedings.
If you are considering getting a divorce in Seattle, it is critical to understand the legal process and the fees and costs that go with it. The best way to do this is to seek a consultation with a divorce lawyer in Seattle. They can help you evaluate the course of action that will cause the least stress, both emotional and financial, for all parties involved.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call our divorce lawyers or reach out to Twyford Law Office online by visiting our contact us page.
We serve in King County and Spokane County in Washington and its surrounding areas. You can also visit our offices. We are conveniently located in Seattle, Spokane & Bellevue:
Twyford Law Office – Seattle Office
814 Second Avenue, Suite 515,
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 590-7085
Twyford Law Office – Spokane Office
430 W Indiana Ave,
Spokane, WA 99205.
(509) 327 0777
Twyford Law Office – Bellevue Office
1408 140th Pl NE Suite 400,
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 517-3350
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Our Law Offices
Our Seattle Office
814 Second Avenue 515,
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 590-7085
Our Spokane Office
430 W Indiana Ave,
Spokane, WA 99205
(509) 327 0777
Our Bellevue Office
1408 140th Place NE, Suite 400,
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 517 3350.