The Cost of Divorce in Texas
One of the biggest concerns our divorce clients have when coming to our law firm for legal advice is the cost of divorce in Texas.
The honest answer is that the overall cost of a divorce depends on a number of different factors. Factors include whether children are involved, how complex the asset distribution is, and how amicable the spouses are during the process.
Some attorneys also charge more in their hourly rates than others. Except that does not always mean that the client is getting better legal representation.
As experienced divorce attorneys at the Tidwell Law Firm, we promise to be upfront in our discussion about the cost of your divorce and all factors that may affect the overall price of separating from your spouse.
What is the Average Cost of Divorce in Texas?
According to online studies, the average cost of divorce in Texas is $15,600, including $12,400 in attorneys’ fees. This is a little over twenty percent higher than the national average at $12,800 in divorce costs. The cost in Texas ranges from $5,000 to $34,000 depending on the particular case.
The hourly rate of the attorney plays some role in the cost of divorce, and almost all lawyers will use an hourly rate when billing for a divorce case. The average hourly rate in Texas for a divorce attorney is $300 per hour, but it can range anywhere from $50 to $350 per hour. This rate is just for the one attorney. It does not include the additional attorneys’ fees for any paralegals or other attorneys at the firm who may work on the case.
Additional expenses that factor into the cost of divorce include fees for court filings, mediation costs, and the cost of copying and serving documents. If expert witnesses, consultants, child evaluators, appraisers, or financial analysts are required, they too come at additional cost to the spouses. The average cost of additional expenses for a Texas divorce are around $3,300.
Factors that Affect the Overall Cost of Divorce
Other factors can significantly affect the overall cost of a divorce in Texas. If children are involved, the typical divorce costs thousands of dollars more. This is due to the amount of time it takes to litigate the custody and support of a child in a divorce case. In Texas, the average cost of a divorce with children is $23,500, including $19,800 in attorneys’ fees. This is over $8,000 more than a divorce without children.
Going to trial also increases the cost of a divorce, and it is almost always the most expensive option. A lawyer will be required to spend multiple hours preparing for the hearing, doing research, and building the best case to argue in front of the judge. All of this is billed at the hourly rate, and some lawyers charge an additional fee for litigation.
Call Our Office to Learn More
If you have more questions about the cost of a divorce in Texas, our office is here to help. Call or contact the Tidwell Law Firm today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced divorce attorneys now.