How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Virginia?
The most asked question to any divorce lawyer is “how much does it cost to get divorced?” Chances are you’ve run into the same vague answer – “it depends.” That’s because how much you will pay for a divorce in Virginia is largely dependent on what type of divorce you are seeking and the specific needs of your case.
Before we get into the details, here is the quick answer. If you and your spouse agree on everything – that means you have no disputes regarding child support, child custody and/or visitation, spousal support (alimony), property distribution or debt allocation, then you can get divorced for as little of $899 (plus court fees) for a grand total of $1,000.
If you said “no” or “maybe…” to any of those, you could expect your divorce to cost anywhere between $14,000 to $30,000-plus depending on a variety of factors. Our firm has seen extremely litigious and complex cases push past $50,000 on exceptionally rare occasions. Now that you have rough estimates, we can walk through what to expect.
Is my divorce Contested or Uncontested?
A Contested Divorce means any or all of the following matters are in dispute: grounds of divorce, spousal support and maintenance, child custody and/or visitation, child support, property distribution or debt allocation. Contested divorces typically take longer to complete than uncontested divorces.
An Uncontested Divorce is filed on no fault grounds and none of the above issues are in dispute. Because there is an agreement between the parties, there is a reduced need for court involvement and litigation typical in contested divorces. This is the fastest type of divorce you can get typically finalizing in 12 months, or 6 months if you have no minor children.
How much does a Contested Divorce cost?
Contested divorces typically cost between $14,000 to $30,000-plus or more depending on the complexity of the case. Cases that involve issues such as multiple properties, businesses, high-value assets, custody and visitation, and spousal support can go well beyond this estimation.
You can expect your retainer to start between $5,500 to $10,000. During your consultation, an attorney will make an estimate based on the complexity of your case. This is because contested matters require increased legal preparation, negotiation, engaging in gathering evidence through discovery, the potential need for witnesses, depositions, subpoenas, litigation, and other legal services.
For example: You and your spouse are miles apart on issues such as child custody, spousal support, and equitable distribution of assets. One of you owns a business that started during the marriage. Because there is no chance of a settlement agreement, a court date is set, and the evidence gathering and case building process begins. Experts may be hired to determine the value of marital property, such as your house or business. Witnesses may be called to testify on your behalf regarding your relationship with the children, any allegations against you, or even to prove details such as the date of separation.
As you can imagine, this can all start to add up to a significant amount of money. It is worth remembering that the process of untangling a marriage is complicated and when spouses simply cannot agree, the best way to protect your rights and interests is to make a case for them in court.
How much does an Uncontested Divorce or Separation Agreement cost?
An Uncontested Divorce is the most cost-effective type of divorce. At Virginia Family Law Center we guarantee our cheapest fast uncontested divorce will cost $1,000 (that’s $899 plus court fees) if you meet all the requirements. You can learn more about this option here, and if you qualify for this service.
Just because you do not agree on everything does not mean an uncontested divorce option is unavailable to you. Depending on how much negotiation is needed to settle any differences between you and your spouse, you can expect a settlement negotiation towards an uncontested divorce retainer to start between $2,500 to $5,000.
For example, you and your spouse might agree to a no-fault divorce, agree on custody and visitation, but disagree on property division such as retirement accounts, the marital home, vehicles, or even furniture (yes, really). Rather than get involved in an expensive court battle, you and your spouse agree to let lawyers represent you and negotiate a separation agreement to work towards an uncontested divorce.
Separation agreements and uncontested divorces can save money, highlight which areas need to be worked out between the parties, and help avoid your case from becoming a full-blown contested divorce. Letting a lawyer negotiate this agreement is beneficial because it guarantees your rights and interests are being protected.
What can I do to save money on my divorce?
Here’s a few ways you can save time and money during the divorce process.
- Prepare Ahead of Time – Get organized and begin locating all documents which will be necessary to build your divorce case. Examples of these include financial information for checking and savings accounts, retirement accounts, deeds or leases for property you own, email or text communications between you and your spouse, school attendance records and report cards, doctors’ notes and visit summaries, and other evidence that supports your arguments.
- Be Honest with Your Lawyer – One of the easiest ways to greatly increase your legals fees is to withhold information from your lawyer. Imagine the surprise on your attorney’s face when weeks before a court hearing your soon-to-be-ex suddenly starts asking about the value of a vacation home you own. Our attorneys represent you and your interests, so be upfront with them about everything. Communicating honestly with your attorney not only gives them the full picture of your situation but allows them to efficiently prepare for your specific needs.
- Stay Focused – A lengthy legal battle will significantly increase your legal fees. Sometimes parties are drawn into bitter disputes over minor disagreements or even worse, create new arguments from thin air. Avoid these by staying focused on your goals and the big picture. Be clear about what issues are the most important to you and avoid getting drawn into disputes or arguments which distract from your goals.
- Research The Process – Thanks to the internet and social media learning about the divorce process is easier than ever. There are countless resources online to help people transition into this new stage of their life, provide encouragement and support, or discuss what to expect. Our own partner Sharie Reyes Albers runs TikTok and Instagram accounts where she provides insights and tips about handling the divorce process.
- Build Your Support Network – Going through a divorce is a massive change in your life. Take stock of which friends and family you can trust and lean on to help you through this difficult time. If needed, consult with a mental health professional or find support groups that can assist with the emotional challenges of divorce. You don’t have to go through divorce alone, and getting involved in a community or group of adults going through this process can be a massive relief on your wallet and well-being.
What is a Retainer & How Does it Work in a Divorce?
When you hire an attorney, you typically enter into a legal services agreement which will outline the terms of representation, the attorney’s and support staff’s hourly rates, any additional fees that may be necessary, and the services to be provided.
Retainers are paid upfront by the client and as an advance payment for the attorney, paralegal, and legal assistant’s services. How much a retainer is requested depends on the complexity of your case, the attorney’s hourly rate, and other factors. As the attorney and staff work on your case they will bill their time against the retainer. This includes drafting documents, attending court hearings, negotiating with the opposing counsel, preparing discovery, phone calls and emails, and providing advice.
Clients will receive regular billing statements that detail the work that was done and the fees charged. When the retainer depletes, the client will be required to replenish the retainer to continue work on the case. When a case finishes, any unused amount of money in the retainer is refunded to the client.
Call Virginia Family Law Center Today
If you are seeking a contested or uncontested divorce, call 703.865.5839 or schedule a consultation through our online booking system. Virginia Family Law Center has more than 30 years of experience in all family law matters. We offer reasonable fees and zealous client-centered service. While the cost of a divorce may be difficult to predict, Virginia Family Law Center guarantees you will get exceptional service and representation to protect your rights, your legacy, and your future.
