San Jose Divorce Lawyer Explains What Affects the Cost of Divorce
It is quite common for family law attorneys to receive questions about how much a divorce costs. In California, and most likely anywhere else, the cost of a divorce depends on the situation. There are many different factors that can affect the cost of a divorce in California. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine how much a divorce costs at the onset of a case.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Divorce in California
Below, we list factors that may affect the cost of your divorce. However, contested divorces are more likely to be expensive than uncontested divorces. This is because one or both parties disagree on the potential terms of a divorce, such as child support or dividing certain properties or assets.
● Disagreements over the property. One or both parties may have disagreements over the worth or ownership rights of assets and properties. Disputes could lead to additional court proceedings, which may prolong the divorce process and legal costs.
● Whether children are involved. Child custody or child support issues may prolong the divorce process. Parents may fight over custody or child support orders. As with many disputes during a divorce, this could mean additional court hearings and time spent resolving the dispute.
● Disagreements over alimony. Alimony, or spousal support, may be a factor in some divorces. Like with child support orders, one party or both parties may have disagreements over the amount of alimony provided.
These are only a few common examples of issues that may prolong a divorce and increase its costs. Couples who are prone to fighting over small details or couples with complicated finances or assets may run into more issues during the divorce process. The length and costs associated with a divorce vary on a case-by-case basis.
Why Do Contested Divorces Cost More and Take Longer?
The simple answer is: contested divorces mean more work for a family law attorney. Your attorney may need to spend time on tasks like discovery, which could include gathering documents or other information related to a case. For instance, if your ex-spouse is hiding assets that could be included in the divorce, then your attorney may need to work to uncover those assets.
In a contested divorce, your attorney would need to represent you at a greater number of hearings and may need to file motions on your behalf. Additionally, your attorney needs to negotiate a divorce settlement to resolve any lingering disputes.
Future blogs will discuss more information about the length of a divorce in California. Keep in mind, there are also unique circumstances in the hellish year that is 2020. COVID-19 could continue to affect court proceedings. As more cases spread, Santa Clara courts, and public facilities in general, may be more difficult to access.
Contact Our San Jose Divorce Attorney for More Information
Do you have questions about the cost of divorce in California? We encourage you to reach out to us. You can schedule a consultation with San Jose divorce lawyer Nick Cvietkovich by dialing (408) 844-4016 or by using the contact form on our site.