How to Divorce -- The Cost

        The Cost of Divorce

A divorce can be expensive.  A divorce is filing a lawsuit and then pursuing it to the end, which may mean going to trial if the parties cannot agree.  In Utah, there is a $318 filing fee that will be paid to the court unless you qualify for a fee waiver.  A fee waiver may be obtained in whole or in part if you are low income and file the proper documents.  In addition to a filing fee, there is a fee associated with serving the other party with a summons.  This fee generally ranges from $45 to $75 with extreme cases costing several hundreds of dollars (especially when process must be made by publication). 

Because filing and trying a lawsuit is very expensive, you will need to scrutinize the issues at a very early to determine what issues can be settled and what issues need to be litigated, if any.  By far, the most expensive cases are those involving custody of children or when a party is self-employed.  Mediation is an additional cost as you will be required to pay a mediator (as well as your attorney) an hourly fee for mediation generally ranging from $100 an hour to $200 an hour for the mediator.  You may be able to qualify for a reduced rate through the Utah Dispute Resolution Center. 

Keep in mind that at all points of your case, you do exercise control over the issues.  Thus, if you can make a concession that would bring your case to a speedy conclusion and thus reduce your legal fees, please consider making such concession.  Litigation often begets further litigation, which often means only the lawyers win.

Of course, I have only addressed the financial costs and not the physical and emotional costs that go with a divorce.

If you have any questions, please contact Attorney Drew at www.attorneydrew.com or andrew@gillilandlaw.com.