Do I Pay Lawyer Before or After Divorce?
Quick Answer: Most lawyers require payment upfront via retainer (,500- ,000) or flat fee paid at start. Some offer payment plans but uncommon for divorce cases.
Payment Models
Flat Fee (Uncontested): Pay entire fee upfront (,500-,000), all services included, no additional bills, most predictable.
Retainer (Contested): Pay ,000- ,000 deposit, lawyer bills against retainer, replenish when depleted, final accounting at end.
Hourly Billing: Initial retainer required, billed monthly, pay as you go, can cost more than estimate.
What Flat Fee Includes
Document preparation, filing with court, service coordination, communication, settlement drafting, finalizing judgment. Typically does NOT include: Court filing fees, process server, contested issues, trial, appeals.
Payment Plans
Rare for divorce but some firms offer: Split flat fee into 2-3 payments, require first payment to start, must be paid before case concludes. Typically include financing fee.
Getting Refund
Flat fees: Usually non-refundable. Retainer: Unused portion refunded. Must be in writing: Get fee agreement before paying, understand refund policy, ask about all costs.