How Long & How Much is Divorce?

Introduction

Hey everybody, it's Suzanne Grandchamp, divorce attorney, author, and coach. Today, I want to address a question that I frequently receive from my clients: how long is this going to take and how much is this going to cost?

Before we dive into the topic, I want to remind you that the information I'm providing here is general legal information and not legal advice. Legal advice can only be given by an attorney licensed to practice law in your state. It's important to consult an attorney who practices in your jurisdiction for specific advice.

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

Answering the question of how long a divorce takes is challenging because every divorce is unique. However, I'll attempt to provide a general overview by breaking it down into thirds.

First Third: Six Months or Fewer

Around one-third of my clients have relatively straightforward divorces that can be resolved within six months or even less. These cases typically involve couples without complex issues, such as business valuations or custody disputes. They may not have children, allowing them to quickly reach agreements on asset division and spousal support. Some are even able to come to an agreement directly, with or without the help of their attorneys or through mediation.

It's important to note that even after reaching an agreement, the court process may still take some time, depending on the state. In Minnesota, where I practice, the court typically processes agreements quickly, but other states may have waiting periods.

Second Third: Six to Twelve Months

Another third of my clients fall into the six to twelve-month category. These cases often involve slightly more complex issues, such as business valuations, non-marital asset disputes, or parenting time disagreements. However, with the help of mediation or negotiation between attorneys, these issues can usually be resolved within a reasonable timeframe. Some additional steps, like exchanging financial information or obtaining expert reports, may be necessary to address the contested issues.

Last Third: Over Twelve Months

The remaining third of divorces take over a year to finalize, and I have great empathy for clients in this category. Long-term litigation can be emotionally and financially draining. These cases typically involve a cluster of contested issues, such as custody battles, mental health concerns, complex business valuations, and spousal support disputes. In some instances, the legal divorce process becomes a platform for working through emotional issues that led to the divorce. This can significantly prolong the process as parties may struggle to reach agreements due to unresolved anger and frustration.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

Now, let's discuss the cost of a divorce. It's important to note that the numbers I'll provide are rough estimates based on my 25 years of experience. Individual circumstances may vary.

First Third: $7,500 or Less

In the first third of cases, where divorces are typically resolved within six months, the average cost per person is $7,500 or less. These cases involve couples who work together to reach agreements quickly or have relatively simple issues to address. Their ability to cooperate and avoid unnecessary delays contributes to lower attorney fees.

Second Third: $7,500 to $15,000

For cases taking between six and twelve months, the average cost per person falls within the range of $7,500 to $15,000. These divorces involve additional time, effort, and processes to address more complex issues like custody evaluations, business valuations, and multiple mediation sessions. The additional work required to resolve these matters contributes to higher attorney fees.

Last Third: $15,000 or More

Divorces taking over twelve months often cost $15,000 or more per person. These cases involve a combination of complex issues, such as custody evaluations, business valuations, non-marital asset tracing, and significant emotional conflicts. The length of the process and the need for multiple expert evaluations and reports contribute to the higher costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the duration and cost of a divorce depend on various factors, including the complexity of the issues involved and the level of cooperation between the parties. While some divorces can be resolved within six months, others may take over a year or more. Similarly, the cost can range from $7,500 to $15,000 for shorter processes and $15,000 or more for protracted cases.

It's important to consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction to get a better understanding of the specific factors that may impact the duration and cost of your divorce. Remember, this blog post is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Thank you for reading. If you found this blog post valuable, don't forget to hit the like button and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more helpful content. See you next time!