Fees & Rates

Suffolk County Divorce Lawyer Fees and Rates

Fees are determined based on many factors in your case. In a divorce, those factors may include matters of custody, family violence, locating hidden assets, amount of assets to be divided, debt to be divided, retirement accounts, child abuse issues, necessary enforcement actions, or relocation issues just to name a few. Similarly, an analysis as to whether the case is expected to be a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce will be a factor in the determination of fees.

Free Divorce and Family Law Consultation

In order to provide an accurate assess your case, we generally provide a free divorce or family law consultation. Use our online intake form to schedule your free Family Law consultation.

Rates and Fees – the Cost of Divorce

By law, a retainer agreement is required in all divorce and family law matters in New York State. At the conclusion of the consultation, the billing arrangements including the initial retainer fee will be discussed. The amount of the initial retainer will depend on any number of factors including the complexity of the case. Once we begin the representation, our time will be billed against the retainer fee at rates discussed and set forth in the retainer agreement. Certain work on a file may be conducted by support staff and paralegals as rate less than that of the attorneys in order to defray costs.

In accordance with the Domestic Relations Law and Family Court Act, we will demand to have the other party reimburse you for your attorney’s fees and costs when appropriate.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Suffolk County?

The cost of a divorce on Long Island can vary widely depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and whether you hire an attorney or handle it yourself. Here are some general cost categories:

1. Attorney Fees: If you hire an attorney to handle your divorce, the cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the attorney’s hourly rate. Divorce attorneys can charge anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars for their services.
2. Filing Fees: In New York, the total filing fees for most divorces will total no less than $370. These fees may change over time, so it’s essential to check with the local court or the New York State Unified Court System’s website for the most current fee schedule.
3. Additional Expenses: Depending on your circumstances, you may incur other expenses, such as fees for expert witnesses, appraisals of property, and child custody evaluations.

It’s important to note that uncontested divorces, where both spouses agree on all issues, tend to be less expensive than contested divorces, where there are disagreements that require resolution through the court. Additionally, the cost of a divorce can be influenced by the assets, debts, child custody matters, and other specific factors involved in your case.

To get a more accurate estimate of the cost of a divorce in New York, it’s advisable to schedule a consultation with a top Suffolk County Divorce Attorney who can provide you with a better understanding of the potential expenses based on your unique circumstances and fee arrangements for your Long Island divorce.

We offer many options regarding legal fees including:

• Hourly or flat-rate fees based on the nature of your case
• Affordable payment plans
• Fee “caps.” No matter how many hours are spent on the matter, the total fee will not exceed an agreed-upon maximum sum.
• We accept most major credit cards.
• No fee for the initial consultation
• Motions to compel the opposing party to pay your legal fees

LawPay’s PayLater Legal Financing for Divorce

Do divorce lawyers do payment plans? Yes – we are proud to announce that we will be utilizing LawPay’s “Pay Later” financing program to assist our clients and to make high caliber representation attainable.

What is LawPay’s “Pay Later”? LawPay’s “Pay Later” is a legal fee financing solution powered by Affirm and exclusively available through LawPay. It offers you the ability to manage your legal fees with greater flexibility. Instead of paying your entire retainer or legal bill upfront, you can break down your payments into manageable installments over time. This allows you to focus on what matters most – protecting your rights and your future – without the immediate pressure of a large lump sum payment.

How Does it Benefit You?

• Budget-Friendly: Divorces can be financially demanding. “Pay Later” allows you to budget your legal expenses more effectively, spreading the cost over a period that works for you. This prevents a significant financial hit all at once and helps you maintain your financial stability during this challenging time.
• Access to Quality Representation: Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking the best legal counsel. “Pay Later” makes experienced legal representation more attainable, ensuring you have the support and guidance you need to navigate your divorce proceedings successfully.
• Reduced Stress: Knowing you have a manageable payment plan in place can significantly reduce the stress associated with legal fees. This allows you to focus on your emotional well-being and the legal aspects of your case, rather than worrying about immediate financial burdens.
• Simple and Secure: LawPay is a trusted and secure platform specifically designed for legal professionals. The application process is quick and easy, and your financial information is always protected.
• Transparency: With “Pay Later,” you’ll have a clear understanding of your payment schedule and any associated terms. No hidden fees or surprises – just straightforward, manageable payments.

Family Law and Divorce Cost Saving Tips

• Identify your most important top three issues prior to visiting an attorney.
• Gathering good information for both sides, that the attorney does not have to go get, can save you money such as contact and addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, employment information, monthly income and expense information, tax records, mortgage records, etc.
• Provide a secure e-mail address where you can receive copies of all documents worked on by your attorney. Documents can be scanned and sent to you faster and more cost effectively than using other means.

The more time you spend getting school records, immunization records, police records, etc., the less time you pay your attorney to do so. You need to see if it is cost effective for you to do this or will actually save you money for your attorney to do so. Some documents needed as evidence will best be acquired by your legal counsel.

Suffolk County Divorce Lawyer Rates and Fees

We are proud to offer military, police and public servant discounts. Please contact us for details.