Divorce is never easy, and it’s definitely not cheap. If you’re considering ending your marriage in St. Louis, one of the first things on your mind is probably, “How much is this going to set me back?”
The truth is, putting a price tag on divorce isn’t so straightforward.
Every couple’s situation is different, and that means the total cost can vary…a lot. Some people walk away, spending just a few hundred bucks, while others shell out thousands. Let’s break down the factors that impact divorce costs in St. Louis and what you can realistically expect.
The Cost of Divorce in St. Louis: Factors to Consider
Once you understand the key factors that impact the total cost of divorce, you can start making informed decisions to keep expenses under control. Here are three things that matter.
Court Filing Fees for Divorce in St. Louis County
Before your divorce can even get underway, you’ll need to pay the court filing fee. In St. Louis County, the cost to file for dissolution of marriage (that’s legalese for divorce) is $148.50 as of 2023. If you’re struggling financially, you might be able to qualify for a fee waiver. But for the vast majority of people, this filing fee is just the first unavoidable cost of getting divorced.
Keep in mind, the more paperwork you need to file with the court, the higher your total filing fees will climb. Every motion, response, or request for a temporary order comes with its own added cost. Plus, you’ll need to pay a fee to serve your spouse with the divorce papers.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
Here’s the single biggest factor that will determine your total divorce price tag: how much you and your spouse agree (or disagree) on the terms of your split. If you’re largely on the same page about how to divide your assets, share parenting responsibilities, and go your separate ways, you’re in luck. Your divorce will end up costing you much less the more you agree upon..
But if you’re gearing up for an all-out legal battle over every last detail? Buckle up. Contested divorces can get messy and expensive. If you and your spouse are fighting tooth and nail, you could easily be looking at a final cost in the thousands.
Attorney Fees: The Biggest Expense in a Divorce
In the St. Louis area, most divorce attorneys charge somewhere between $200 and $500 per hour. The longer your divorce drags on, the more those hours (and fees) add up.
For example, if your lawyer charges $300 per hour and your divorce takes around 20 hours of their time in total, you’re looking at $6,000 in attorney fees. And that’s a relatively straightforward scenario. If you have a complicated divorce with lots of assets to divide and disagreements to hash out, you could easily burn through many more billable hours.
Some divorce lawyers will also require a retainer fee upfront. This is essentially a deposit – usually several thousand dollars – that they bill their hours against as they work on your case. If the retainer gets depleted before your divorce is finalized, you’ll likely have to replenish it.
While attorney fees can add up quickly, having legal representation on your side is often well worth the investment. At Raza Family Law Solutions, our divorce attorneys provide strategic guidance to protect your interests and help you achieve the best possible outcome. We work to keep costs down while delivering the high-quality legal services you deserve during life’s most difficult moments.
Is a DIY Divorce a Good Way to Save Money?
You might be wondering if you can handle your divorce on your own to save money on attorney fees. And in some cases, if your divorce is really straightforward and you and your spouse are in full agreement, you might be able to DIY it. But for the vast majority of people, trying to handle the divorce process without legal guidance is a massive gamble. One misstep could end up costing you big time in the long run.
The Financial Impact of Going to Divorce Court
What happens if you and your spouse can’t reach a settlement agreement? You’ll have to head to court and let a judge decide for you. And going to trial drives up the cost of your divorce. You’ll be responsible for additional court fees and all the time your lawyer has to spend prepping for trial.
This is why the vast majority of divorce cases reach a settlement. But if you do end up arguing your case in front of a judge, be prepared to tack on thousands more to the total cost of your divorce.
Factoring in Alimony, Child Support, and Asset Division
When you’re calculating the total financial impact of your divorce, don’t forget to factor in any orders related to money and property. If you’re responsible for spousal support or hefty child support payments, those are costs you’ll be dealing with long after the divorce is final. The same goes for any big asset transfers or buyouts, like paying your ex for their share of the marital home or divvying up retirement accounts.
The Average Cost of Divorce in St. Louis
So, when you step back and look at the big picture, what’s the total price tag for a typical divorce in the St. Louis area? The honest answer is: it varies. But most people can expect their final divorce bill to land somewhere between $3,000 and $20,000.
Is it possible to get divorced for under $1,000? Sure. But, while it’s theoretically possible if your situation is incredibly straightforward and you handle all the legal legwork yourself, it’s not the reality for most people. The vast majority of divorces cost more than $1,000 when you factor in court fees, attorney fees, and other related expenses.
But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to spend your life savings on your divorce. By being proactive, strategic, and realistic about the process, you can keep your costs under control and avoid breaking the bank.
Tips for Keeping Your Divorce Costs Down
A divorce can be financially taxing, but there are steps you can take to minimize the damage. Here are some key strategies for keeping your divorce costs in check:
- Be realistic about the process. Don’t fall for pie-in-the-sky promises of a cheap, easy split. Divorce is rarely a bargain, but that doesn’t mean you have to go broke either.
- Do your homework. Learning about the typical costs of divorce in your area can help you set a realistic budget and avoid sticker shock.
- Start setting aside funds now. Even if you’re just considering divorce, it’s smart to begin saving up to cover the anticipated expenses. A little financial cushion can go a long way.
- Choose your battles. Not every disagreement is worth a drawn-out (and expensive) legal fight. Prioritize the issues that matter most and be open to compromise on the rest.
- Resist the urge to use divorce as a weapon. Trying to “win” by any means necessary or punishing your ex might feel good at the moment, but it’s a fast track to sky-high legal bills. Keep your focus on the future.
- Consider alternative dispute resolution. Mediation or collaborative divorce can often save time and money compared to traditional litigation. Explore your options.
- Consult with a knowledgeable divorce attorney. While it might seem counterintuitive to spend money on a lawyer to save on costs, a skilled attorney can actually help you avoid expensive missteps and achieve a better outcome.
At Raza Family Law Solutions, we understand the financial realities of divorce. Our experienced attorneys provide legal guidance to help you protect your interests and achieve your goals.
If you’re considering divorce in the St. Louis area, reach out to us for a consultation. We’re here to listen, advise, and advocate for you every step of the way.
