The average cost of an uncontested divorce in Idaho, including filing fees, ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. The total costs for a contested divorce involving disputes over property, child custody, or alimony can be much higher: attorney fees and mediation costs average from $12,000 to $15,000 or more. This information is based on general legal practices and consultations with family law attorneys in Idaho.
How Much Does a Contested Divorce in Idaho Cost?
Divorce prices can range from $10,000 to $15,000 and even exceed this amount in contested cases. This type of marriage dissolution is the most expensive one, especially if there are many issues to resolve. Spouses rarely apply for a contested divorce without hiring lawyers; the more time the divorce takes, the higher the overall expenses get, as attorneys usually have fixed hourly fees.
The cost of a divorce may increase significantly if a petitioner indicates specific misconduct of a spouse as the grounds for marriage dissolution. In such a case, a lawyer will have to collect irrefutable evidence to prove the client’s point of view in a fault-based divorce. Of course, such assistance comes at an additional fee.
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Idaho?
The average cost of a divorce lawyer in Idaho varies from $250-$350 per hour. If spouses in highly contested cases decide to hire attorneys for full-scope representation, they will have to spend about $8,000 each. Sometimes, couples that choose an amicable way of ending their marriage also contact lawyers for specific assistance, e.g., document preparation or filing. In such cases, their expenses will be lower.
In general, divorce lawyer fees in Idaho depend on:
- Geographical location. Attorneys practicing in large cities or areas with higher costs of living may charge more than those in small towns.
- Experience and Reputation. Seasoned and experienced lawyers charge more than their colleagues who are beginners in the field.
The Cost of an Uncontested Divorce in Idaho
The cost of getting a divorce in Idaho if spouses have reached an agreement on all divorce-related issues may be from $1,000 to $2,000. Sometimes, overall expenses may be even lower than $1,000.
For instance, if partners have no minor kids and agree on all divorce-related matters, such as assets and debt division, they can choose a DIY divorce and reduce all expenses to filing and serving fees only. They can save even more money if a defendant fills out an Acknowledgement of Service, so the official paper serving is not required.
Some spouses don’t want to manage paperwork on their own to avoid possible mistakes, so they order divorce papers in Idaho from a credible online service. It is a smart way to receive filled-out case-specific forms at a reasonable cost and within the needed deadline.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in Idaho?
Currently, an Idaho divorce filing fee is around $210, but it may vary from county to county. If you can’t afford to pay this sum, you can prepare and submit a Motion and Affidavit for Fee Waiver. The court will analyze your financial situation and either approve or reject your request.
If spouses filing for divorce in Idaho have minor children, the court will likely oblige them to attend a Focus on the Children class, which costs around $30.
What Affects the Cost of Divorce?
Several factors influence how expensive divorces are in Idaho:
1) Contested Case.
Contested divorces are usually resource-draining. Each party needs to hire an attorney to protect their rights during court litigation. The longer their disputes last, the more money partners have to spend. If there are multiple disagreements to resolve, but spouses aren’t cooperative, the final divorce price may exceed $20,000.
2) Legal Assistance.
In addition to hiring attorneys, divorcing spouses may need to address other experts who will assist them in achieving fair divorce outcomes. For instance, partners with minor kids may need to use custody evaluator services, while spouses with joint financial accounts may be required to hire professional accountants.
3) Marital Assets.
The complexity of dividing assets, such as property, investments, and retirement accounts, can lead to prolonged negotiations or litigation. Valuable assets often require expert evaluation, further increasing expenses. If there is much property to divide, the overall cost of a divorce process becomes higher.
4) Custody Battles.
If spouses can’t agree on child custody, they must be ready to pay for divorce much more than couples in uncontested cases do. They will need to hire custody evaluators, leading to increased overall divorce costs. Sometimes, parents choose private evaluation in addition to standard one. Such a service is even more expensive.
The Cost of Divorce in Idaho – The Bottom Line
Contested divorces are several times more expensive than uncontested marriage dissolution. Therefore, many couples do all possible to reach an agreement on all important divorce matters without litigation. Some partners manage to resolve disputes themselves, while others resort to professional mediation.
More and more divorcing couples delegate their paperwork to professional services instead of completing papers on their own or hiring lawyers for the task. This way, they can reduce divorce costs and facilitate the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in Idaho?
The most budget-friendly way to end a marriage is to apply for an uncontested divorce. Besides, spouses may choose a DIY option to keep divorce expenses at the lowest possible level.
Is Idaho a 50/50 divorce state?
Yes, Idaho is a community property state, meaning marital property is typically divided equally (50/50) between spouses during a divorce. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every asset is divided exactly in half. Instead, the court strives to distribute the property fairly, considering factors such as each spouse’s financial contributions, earning capacity, etc.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Idaho?
Hourly rates divorce lawyers charge in Idaho vary from $250-$350. Some lawyers may also offer fixed-fee arrangements for specific services, for example, drafting and filing divorce paperwork or attending mediation sessions.
Do you have to pay for a divorce in Idaho?
Yes, spouses typically need to pay filing fees, serving fees, and other legal expenses unless they qualify for a fee waiver.
Richard Evans is a former family law attorney and a writer on divorce-related matters. His extensive legal experience provided him with deep insights into the intricacies of divorce and helped him recognize the need for accessible advice on these issues. His articles cover a range of topics, including understanding divorce laws, navigating custody battles, and managing post-divorce finances. Through his writing, Evans applies his legal expertise to demystify the divorce process and provide practical advice for those experiencing this challenging life event.