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/

Check Out All Costs for Personal Finance		How Much Do Funeral Flowers Cost?		How Much Do Tax Returns Cost?		How Much Does Closing a Home Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Make sure your gutters are clean before they start to fill up again this fall. Are you planning a Labor Day picnic? Need a new charcoal grill? Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The late August sun can leave a mark. Check out sunburn treatment options.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more] -nervouschomper Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more] -Gregory Richardson Interpreter Cost Dat Paid: 495.00 This is how much I am paying... [more] -Calista Christian Dental Admission Test Cost Shingrix Paid: 48.00 ... [more] -Not that BB Shingles Vaccine Cost Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more] -D’s mom Allergy Testing Cost Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat Paid: 0.00 13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more] -Terrimarie Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost