Depending on several factors, a divorce may cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. At a minimum, you will be responsible for covering the cost of filing fees. However, the complexity of the case, the number of years you were married, and whether any children are involved can result in more extensive costs. With so much variability, you may be unsure if you can bear the financial burden.
With over 15 years of experience handling divorce matters, our divorce attorneys in San Antonio, TX, believe in approaching each case with compassion. That begins with being transparent about our services and pricing. By empowering our clients with knowledge, we enable them to remain in control of their decisions.
What Factors Influence the Cost of a Divorce in San Antonio, TX?
While there is no guessing exactly how much anyone’s divorce will cost until the process is underway, the “average” divorce in San Antonio, TX costs between $11,000 and $13,000. This estimate applies to divorces in which no children are involved. In cases involving child support, custody, and/or visitation rights, the cost can range from $25,000 to $30,000.
The following factors may influence the cost of a divorce:
The Complexity of the Case
The complexity of your divorce will come with greater costs. The matter may become more complex if you have a high-asset divorce (with marital funds of at least $1 million), if a business is involved, or if you have a child with special needs. Basically, anything that complicates your financial situation will take longer to settle, costing you more in the end.
If Any Issues are Disputed
If you and your spouse cannot agree on one or several issues, you may need to pursue litigation. This can be costly, and the cost increases the longer it takes for both sides to resolve. The more issues you can agree on, the better for your checkbook.
The Length of the Marriage
Texas courts typically do not award spousal support unless the marriage has lasted at least 10 years. The longer the marriage, the greater the likelihood that your spouse may be awarded alimony, also known as spousal support. Divorce judges are stingy regarding what circumstances warrant support. To be awarded support, the requesting spouse must demonstrate financial need and either be disabled, caring for a disabled child, or be able to earn a higher income.
The court will look at several factors in determining if the seeking spouse cannot provide for their “minimum reasonable needs.” Factors that may be examined include each spouse’s education and employment skills, each party’s financial situation after property division, and the time necessary for the seeking spouse to complete training so that they can earn sufficient income.
Aside from alimony, a longer marriage will most likely entail commingled assets. Commingled assets are any assets that combine separate and marital funds. Since only marital funds are divided during divorce, a longer time must be allotted to trace the source of individual funds to distribute only marital property. If you are concerned about safeguarding separate property, you should reach out to our legal team.
Contact a Divorce Lawyer in San Antonio, TX, Today
If you and your spouse are contemplating divorce, you may be nervous about the cost. You may even spend countless evenings researching costs associated with filing for divorce, only to discover a wide range of figures. At Cook Law, we aim to streamline the process, reducing your expenses. If you have any questions regarding your financial obligations, our divorce attorneys in San Antonio, TX, are happy to review your case. To arrange your case consultation, contact our office online or call (210) 740-0281.