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...