How Much Does The Average New Jersey Divorce Cost?

As you might already know, divorce is a complicated and sometimes time-consuming process. Divorce is a significant life event that comes with a large emotional cost along with legal fees. Many people who are considering divorce or those who are in the beginning stages of divorce might wonder how much money the entire process will cost them. To learn more about the financial costs of divorces in New Jersey, continue reading or contact one of our Morris County NJ Divorce Lawyers today!

HOW MUCH DOES A NJ DIVORCE USUALLY COST?

The average New Jersey divorce costs somewhere between $12,000 and $15,000 in total. However, the total cost varies greatly because there are many factors that can make the divorce process more or less expensive. Generally, the least expensive divorces are those where both spouses are able to easily collaborate on settlement agreements. Litigation is typically the most expensive divorce method because it involves both spouses battling each other in court, which means paying court fees and attorney fees. Even if the divorce is uncontested and you don’t hire a lawyer, you’ll still need to pay at least a few hundred to file the divorce papers and to hire a process server to serve your spouse the divorce papers.

WHAT AFFECTS DIVORCE COSTS?

There are many aspects of a divorce that can alter the expenses you’ll need to pay. As stated earlier, uncontested divorces are much less expensive than contested divorces. If you decide to hire a divorce attorney, New Jersey divorce lawyers typically charge around $300 an hour for their services. Because contested divorces (which normally involve litigation) are much more time-consuming than other types of divorce, much of the cost goes toward lawyer fees. Uncontested divorces that are much more straightforward don’t always require an attorney, so you can choose to represent yourself in these situations.

Many people wonder if mediation is a cheaper option for divorces. It’s usually less expensive than litigation, but it can still be costly. Many people who hire a mediator also hire an attorney to help them file the paperwork. This is because the mediator helps the spouses work to come to a settlement agreement, but in New Jersey, the mediator can’t file the papers to finalize the divorce papers. You might still need an attorney, depending on your specific situation.

Hiring a divorce attorney can be costly, but the price might be worth it if you need an experienced professional to guide you through the process with your best interests in mind. Are you just beginning the divorce process? Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark is here for quality legal counseling. Contact us today to learn how one of our compassionate and seasoned divorce attorneys can help you!