How much will it cost to use a lawyer for my divorce case in North Carolina?

It would be great if there was an easy answer to this question, but attorney’s fees vary greatly based on the services needed and other factors. Every case is unique and has differing levels of complexity (Will there be alimony? Child Support? Are there marital assets to be divided?). For this reason, most attorneys will not quote a set or flat cost for your case.

 In general, fees are charged at the attorney’s hourly rate. In family law, you will typically make an initial payment to a trust account often called a “retainer.” All costs are billed against that retainer. The amount of the retainer will vary depending on the unique circumstances of your case. After you have had an initial consultation with one of our attorneys, they will tailor the initial deposit needed based upon the work involved in your case.

Several other factors affect how much your case will cost:

• There is no way to know in advance what steps the other side will take or how much they will fight over minor issues. This may increase your costs. 

• You can only “settle” your case when the other side agrees with you on all issues. Sometimes this may require more negotiation than in other cases.

• It may be very difficult to get legal, financial, or other necessary documents from the other side in the case, and your lawyer may have to take steps in court to obtain the documentation needed to settle or litigate your case. 

• You may have signed a document or made decisions without good advice and now find the need to try to undo your current situation. 

Our firm does handle some issues on a flat fee basis such as drafting some documents and the absolute divorce (remember, this just ends the relationship and does not normally resolve your financial or children’s issues in a favorable manner). What is important is that you get fully informed about your case by having a consultation with good family law attorney, so that you can understand the legal fees that will be necessary.