One of the most difficult aspects of any divorce is who will gain custody of the children. Custody battles may play out for months, and if you live in Naperville and find yourself facing this situation, you may wonder what legal representation may cost. While there is no singular base cost for child custody lawyers, there are several circumstances you can factor into your own personal situation to gauge the price of hiring one of these attorneys.
Ask About Hourly Fees
Since no child custody case is the same, many lawyers who work in this field charge an hourly rate for time in court, while others charge a flat rate for simpler cases. Depending on your individual case, fees for child custody lawyers may cost several thousand and climb as high as ten thousand dollars or more. In some instances, a custody attorney may provide you with a free consultation and discuss costs with you so you know what to expect.
Disputes May Raise the Cost
The total cost of a child custody case can vary widely, and one of the factors that can affect it the most is whether both parties agree about the custody details. When a case can be settled quickly and the details arranged without discord, the costs may only cap at several thousand dollars. However, if you or the other parent are not in agreement about custody or visitation details, the case may take months to settle and as a result, you may incur more fees.
Ask About Fee Structure
To get the most representation for your money, ask your child custody lawyer about your payment options. One type of fee structure, such as a flat rate, may benefit you more than an hourly rate. This can be especially important if you are facing financial challenges during what is no doubt a difficult time.
Fees among child custody lawyers tend to vary widely. However, an attorney in Naperville can help you understand payment details so you can face the future with more confidence.
