For many spouses approaching divorce in Virginia, legal costs are a pressing concern. The average spouse does not have a ton of money to spend. In addition, the aftermath of the divorce itself can leave many spouses in dire economic straits. This is due to things like property division, child support, and spousal support. Even spouses who were relatively comfortable prior to a divorce may find themselves struggling after all of these factors are taken into account. This means that financial matters are almost always a concern for divorcing spouses in Virginia, regardless of their wealth.
If you are worried about how you are going to pay for your divorce, there is no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Our qualified legal professionals will not judge you for any financial limitations you might be experiencing. We will help you choose the best option based on your unique circumstances, and we are committed to helping you move forward with confidence and with the least financial strain. During your initial consultation with one of our attorneys, you can discuss the specifics of your separation, including any financial concerns you might have.
A Trial Generally Costs More than a Collaborative or Mediated Divorce
Spouses who want to keep costs down generally avoid resolving their divorce via a trial. This is because legal fees increase significantly whenever a trial is involved. Alternative options such as collaborative divorce or mediation are typically cheaper, as they allow spouses to bypass the trial process altogether.
Collaborative divorce is a relatively new approach to divorce that involves both spouses handling the details of their divorce outside of court. They work with trained attorneys and other third party experts who facilitate a fair negotiation, allowing each spouse to control the various aspects of their separation. Spouses will agree upon things like child support, spousal support, property division, and more. All of these decisions are compiled into a separation agreement. Both spouses then sign this document, which becomes a legally binding contract.
If everything is in order, the judge will sign off on the divorce order, incorporate the contract into the order, and the divorce will be finalized. Not only is this a cheaper option, but it generally involves less stress and uncertainty.
However, collaborative divorce is not always possible. Sometimes, spouses cannot agree upon the various conditions of their divorce, and a trial becomes inevitable. If this is the case, you can expect costs to increase substantialy. This is especially true if your divorce drags on for months or even years as both spouses battle in court over contentious issues like child custody or property division.
How Much Does a Divorce Attorney Cost in Virginia?
So how much will a divorce attorney charge you? We have already established that settling your case is usually cheaper, and this is because they typically take less time to finalize. When there are fewer disputes over key matters, the divorce can be wrapped up more quickly. This is an important consideration when considering costs, as most divorce attorneys in Virginia charge by the hour and services rendered.
Many lawyers promise that your divorce will be finalized within a specific timeframe if there are no contentious issues. In Virginia, it is possible to wrap up your divorce issues within weeks if you and your spouse have no major disagreements. At the end of the day, it is impossible to know exactly how much your divorce will cost, since each divorce is slightly different. Your best bet is to ask your prospective divorce attorney to tell you their hourly rate.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Virginia area for a family law attorney, look no further than Nova Legal Professionals. We have helped a number of spouses in Virginia pursue positive legal outcomes, and we can do the same for you. Regardless of whether you are a wealthy individual or not, you deserve access to professional legal assistance. With our help, you can wrap up your divorce in an efficient way while keeping your financial limitations in mind. Book your consultation today to learn more about your legal options.
