Cheap Divorce Lawyer

Representing Yourself

The first thing to consider when looking for a cheap divorce lawyer is whether or not you actually require representation. While it is most often in your best interest to retain counsel, there are some instances where it may be possible for you to file a do it yourself divorce. Parties who most frequently file on their own do so because their divorce is uncontested, meaning they have no children and are in total agreement regarding the division of their assets. Even if you decide that you want to file for divorce on your own, you may consider hiring an attorney to review the completed versions of the forms that you must submit to the court.

Hourly Fees vs. Flat Fees

When hiring a divorce attorney, he should provide you with a contract that specifically states his fees and when he must be paid. Some lawyers work strictly on a flat fee basis, which means they charge a set amount of money regardless of how many hours they work on a case. Others charge hourly fees, which usually range between $100 and $400 per hour. Attorneys' fees may be negotiable, so be sure to tell a prospective attorney if his rate is higher than you can afford.

While it may seem like cheap divorce lawyers should always charge a flat fee, this is not the case. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney with experience could be substantially cheaper than hiring one who charges what seems to be a cheaper flat rate. Likewise, hiring an attorney who charges a small hourly rate but is unfamiliar with divorce law and/or your local court can be very expensive. What you save in attorney fees, you may lose in marital assets or time lost.

It may be difficult to ascertain over the telephone whether the firm you are calling offers the services of a cheap divorce lawyer because many attorneys will not quote a fee until they know all of the facts and extenuating circumstances surrounding your case.

Questions to Ask Potential Attorneys

1. Is there a fee for an initial consultation?
2. Do you have insurance?
3. How will you keep me informed about what's going on in my case?
4. What documents do you need?
5. How long have you practiced family law?
6. Does the firm charge an hourly or flat rate for a divorce?
7. How much are the firm’s average hourly rates?
8. What is the standard fee for filing an uncontested divorce?
9. Is your fee negotiable?
10. Do you practice often in (insert state or county here), the court my case will be tried in?

Tips for Reducing Legal Fees

• Hire an attorney whose office is in or near the city where your case will be heard. This reduces travel expenses and billable hours.
• Personally deliver documents that need to be filed with the court to eliminate costly courier service fees.
• Jot down questions as you think of them, and use those notes when you speak to your lawyer. This ensures that you do not waste precious billable hours trying to remember what you wanted to ask.
• Promptly provided your attorney with any documentation or evidence that you have or receive during the course of your case. This eliminates his need to contact you or others to get that information. If not, you pay for every minute that he or his paralegal spends tracking down the information.

Risk of Hiring a Cheap Divorce Lawyer

Resist the temptation to hire a cheap divorce lawyer based simply on the fact that he charges less than his competitors. Many charge extremely low fees because they take on very large caseloads. This might mean that their clients do not get the time or attention they deserve because the firm is overwhelmed and understaffed. Always check with the agency that regulates attorney discipline in your state to ensure that your lawyer is a member in good standing. There, you can also find out if he has previously been publicly reprimanded for ethical and/or professional violations.