Divorce is stressful enough without worrying about legal bills. One of the first questions people ask me is: “How much will my divorce cost?”

The honest answer is that it depends. But you have more control over the cost than you may think.

As a Montgomery County divorce attorney, I’ve seen cases range from simple and affordable to complex and expensive. In most situations, the cost comes down to a few key factors. When you understand these factors, you can make smarter decisions that protect your finances and your peace of mind.

Factors Effecting the Cost of a Divorce include:

1. How Much You and Your Spouse Agree 



This is one of the biggest cost drivers. If you agree on most issues like custody, financial support, and division of assets, your divorce will be faster and less expensive. However, if there’s conflict around parenting, property, or income, your case may take longer, require more negotiation, and cost more.  

2. The Complexity of Your Assets

Cases with no assets or a few simple assets cost less. Cases with many or unusual assets require more time and may require expert valuations. Assets which require expert valuations include marital businesses, pensions, and marital homes with equity which one spouse wants to retain. Other complex issues include multiple properties or investment accounts, substantial debt, disability or addiction. The more we have to analyze, trace, or protect, the more attorney time is required.

3. Custody Issues

Custody is often the most emotionally charged part of a divorce, and can be the most expensive. Costs increase when there are disputes about parenting schedules, addiction, mental health, new partners or blended family dynamics. If custody is high conflict, the court may require evaluations, counseling or parenting coordinators. 

4. Your Spouse’s Behavior and Expectations

If your spouse is reasonable and realistic, costs may remain on the lower end of the spectrum. If your spouse is controlling, avoidant, unpredictable, or refuses to participate, costs will probably increase. Common cost-increasing behaviors include unreasonable demands, failure to provide financial documents, and creating unnecessary issues. These types of cases may require more court intervention, which increases fees.

5. The Approach Your Attorney Takes

Some attorneys run up bills by filing motions that don’t matter, escalating conflict, pounding irrelevant issues, treating every case the same, or using aggression where negotiation or strategy would be preferable. That is not my approach. I focus on what matters, protecting your credibility and reputation with the court. My job isn’t to stir up drama. It is to guide you to a favorable and realistic outcome, with clarity, strength, and compassion.

How to Control the Cost of Your Divorce

Stay organized. Have documents ready, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank and retirement statements and mortgage information.

Separate emotion from strategy. Choose your battles. Not everything is worth fighting over.  I’ll help you figure out what matters and what doesn’t.

Be realistic about outcomes. Not everyone can win 100% of what they want every time. Compromising can help you to avoid court appearances, prevent burned bridges and protect future relationships.  

Communicate calmly and clearly. The more focused and prepared you are, the less time, emotion and money you spend.

How I can Help

My approach is simple. I will be honest with you, and help you understand your options. I will help you protect your children, finances, and peace of mind. If you’re ready to talk through your situation, I’m on your side. You don’t have to figure this out alone.