Child Custody Attorney Cost

Typical costs:

• Legal fees start around $3,000-$5,000 for a relatively simple child custody case, but could be quite a bit less if both parents are in relative agreement and can settle out of court. However, legal costs can jump to $5,500-$35,000 or more for a custody battle that includes taking depositions, hiring experts to testify, extensive "discovery" in the other parent's records, and lots of time preparing for and holding a trial.
• Because custody cases are unpredictable in terms of complications and length, most family law attorneys charge fees based on hourly rates of $75-$400, although some attorneys charge as much as $500 an hour, according to the book "Child Custody Made Simple"^[1] ; time in court is usually charged at a higher rate than for an office consultation. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for a specific, straightforward process, such as the paperwork needed for an uncontested change in custody arrangements. FindLaw.com explains the basic types of legal fees^[2] .
• Legal fees are usually paid in advance in a payment known as a retainer. If the attorney is working on an hourly basis, charges for the hours worked by an attorney or office staff will be deducted from the retainer as the work is done; if the retainer is used up you will be billed for an additional pre-payment.

• Child custody is meant to be awarded based on the best interests of the child or children; custody is usually governed by state rather than federal law. Details vary between states. FindLaw.com lists custody laws ^[3] by state and custody resources ^[4] by state, and links to custody forms^[5] for each state. Lawyers.com describes the rights of a non-custodial parent^[6] .

• Books explaining the child custody system^[7] range from $12-$100.
• Some lawyers may include filing fees or other court costs ($5-$250 or more) and other expenses (copying, postage, messengers, paralegal time, etc.) in their legal fees but other attorneys charge separately for these. Get a written estimate of anticipated "other" costs.
• Working with a mediator to create a custody agreement (without going to trial) could cost $80-$250 an hour, for two or more hours of work; this fee is usually split by both parties.
• The initial consultation to discuss your case may be free or it could be charged at the attorney's hourly rate; ask before you go.

• Many states have programs granting fee waivers (for filing fees and other court costs) to low-income people. You may also qualify for Legal Aid or other free or low-cost assistance; the American Bar Association links to legal resources^[8] in each state.

• Ask family and friends for feedback on local family law attorneys. Contact several, and ask about each one's training and experience in family law.Lawyers.com explains what to do in a first meeting with a family law attorney^[9] .
• Referrals are available through FindLaw.com^[10] ; or you can contact your local bar association^[11] .
• Your attorney should provide you with a written fee agreement. Be sure you understand what is covered, and any other fees and expenses you might have to pay.

1.  www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0964940434
2.  hirealawyer.findlaw.com/attorney-fees-and-agreements/types-of-legal-fees.html
3.  family.findlaw.com/child-custody/child-custody-summaries-of-state-laws.html
4.  family.findlaw.com/child-custody/child-custody-and-visitation-information-by-state...
5.  family.findlaw.com/child-custody/child-custody-forms-by-state.html
6.  family-law.lawyers.com/visitation-rights/Visitation-Rights-After-Divorce-or-End-of...
7.  www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=child+cu...
8.  apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/findlegalhelp/home.cfm
9.  family-law.lawyers.com/Family-Law-Meeting-with-a-Lawyer.html
10.  family.findlaw.com/child-custody/get-legal-help-with-custody-visitation.html
11.  apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/lris/directory/

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