Choosing to divorce is almost never easy. While ending a marriage should be the main consideration, many spouses also factor the cost of a divorce into their decision and timing. Not only must divorcing spouses in Colorado consider the court’s requirement for the fair and equitable division of their assets as the cost of divorce, but also their attorney’s fees and court costs.
While you can learn your prospective lawyer’s hourly rate during your consultation, the total cost of your divorce depends on additional important considerations. Contact our award-wining divorce lawyer in Denver, CO to discuss your case at (303) 451-0300.
The attorney’s fees alone do not determine the total cost of your divorce. Instead, the most important aspect of divorce expense is the number of billable hours your attorney spends on your case.
An uncontested divorce is a more streamlined, less-expensive process than a contested divorce. Understanding the two types of divorces in Colorado helps divorcing spouses get a clearer picture of what their divorce will cost and how they can minimize this expense.
When divorcing spouses can communicate and compromise effectively, they can reach a settlement agreement on all required divorce terms, including the following:
With the help of their attorneys and professional mediation, most divorcing spouses can achieve an uncontested divorce through a settlement agreement. In most cases, the judge signs the terms into binding orders on the final dissolution date.
The more each spouse is willing to compromise to streamline the process, the fewer billable hours their divorce will require.
Less commonly, divorcing spouses may choose to file a collaborative divorce. In this uncontested divorce process, the spouses sign an agreement to resolve their divorce terms without going to court.
When divorcing spouses have one or more unresolved disputes after mediation, the divorce becomes contested and requires court. This is a lengthier process, requiring many more billable hours and court costs.
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer In Colorado Cost?
According to research from the Institute for Family Studies, the average divorce in the U.S. costs $19,458; however, this is the amount per couple. Since each spouse hires their own attorney, the average cost per spouse is around $9,800. Spouses with children typically pay about 36.7% more than childless divorces. A divorce including a custody case costs an average of $26,930, or about $13,450 per spouse.
A Colorado divorce lawyer requires a retainer, or an upfront deposit, to cover legal representation throughout the process. Depending on the total cost of the divorce, some of the retainer may be returned, or the attorney may require additional payment.
A Colorado divorce lawyer will discuss their hourly rate during your initial consultation and ensure that you understand their payment structure before you hire them and pay the required retainer. Call our family law attorneys at Ciancio Ciancio Brown, P.C. for a free consultation about your divorce in Colorado.
