How do divorce attorneys get paid for their services?
First off, I’m not an attorney and not licensed anywhere. With that said, I’m pretty sure that in Illinois, divorce attorneys typically charge an hourly rate for their services. This rate can vary drastically depending on the attorney’s experience, the complexity of the divorce case, and the geographic location of the attorney’s office. The rate can range anywhere from $150 to $550 per hour or more. Attorneys may also charge a flat fee for a particular service such as preparing a settlement agreement or filing a motion.
In addition to the hourly rate, attorneys may require their clients to pay a retainer fee. A retainer fee is a flat fee paid upfront to secure the services of the attorney and cover the cost of the initial consultation. The retainer fee is typically non-refundable and is applied to the hourly rate as the divorce case progresses.
Attorneys may also require their clients to reimburse them for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the course of the divorce case. This includes expenses such as filing fees, travel expenses, and costs associated with hiring expert witnesses. These expenses are typically billed to the client after they are incurred.
Divorce attorneys may NOT accept payment in the form of a contingency fee. A contingency fee is a fee that is only paid if the case is successful. The fee is typically a percentage of the client’s total recovery and is paid at the end of the case. This is prohibited by the ethical rules.
In Illinois, it is important to remember that all fees must be fair and reasonable. If a client feels that their attorney is charging too much for their services, they may bring the issue to the attention of the court. The court may then decide to reduce or adjust the fee.
And to answer your question about whether one spouse can be required to pay both the answer is yes, it is possible, but the judge would have to order it. It doesn’t happen automatically. Where you are looking at large sum of money, you are best advised to get a local divorce lawyer. Best of luck to you my friend.
If you ever need a lawyer in Utah (and if he’s available), I trust this one:
17 North State Street
Lindon UT 84042
(801) 613-1472
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