Does divorce cost money?

The short answer to this most frequently asked the question is—yes, you need to pay an amount to get a divorce. And the cost depends on various factors such as paying an application fee, hiring a lawyer (if needed), etc.

Let’s find a breakdown of a divorce cost depending on different circumstances and learn how divorce lawyers Winnipeg can help you in such a case.

How much do you need to pay for a divorce application?

Marriage is a law-binding process. Similarly, the separation requires you to complete many official tasks. As a result, you must formally notify the court about your divorce.

The divorce application fees vary in provinces. For submitting a divorce application, you’ll need to pay around $210. The fee includes a filing fee of $200 and a registration fee of $10 approx.

The next step you have to submit the initial papers for getting a divorce. To submit the final application, you need to pay around $80 again. And if you want a certificate for the divorce, it’ll cost you another $40.

Note that: You don’t have to pay any tax to get a divorce.

So, this is the standard cost for a divorce if you do it all by yourself. But some people seek a lawyer’s help whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

The following section will give you more details on the divorce cost.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost?

On average, an uncosted divorce with the help of a lawyer costs between $1,056 and $2,922. However, the price will differ based on some factors.

But why would someone hire a lawyer in an uncontested divorce? Let’s find that out.

You might still need to see a lawyer for a couple of reasons. Generally, when people have shared assets and children in a marriage, they need to take lawyers’ help. Also, you might be eligible for spousal support, or you could be the one who is paying for the financial support.

Doing the paper works for shared assets require is a complicated task. And you might make mistakes that will result in severe issues in the future with your ex-partner. You certainly don’t want that, as you are already separating on good terms. That’s why you need professional help.

On top of that, you two could have children together. In that case, even if you agree on child care terms, you will need a lawyer’s help for the right child custody amount. Besides, there must be the right amount of spousal support.

Therefore, basing the context of your uncontested divorce, your lawyer will charge you. Lawyer fees differ. If you want an experienced lawyer, your cost is on the higher end of the scale.

How much does a contested divorce cost?

A contested divorce costs range from $12,875 to $50,000. The price is way higher than an uncontested divorce.

Why is the cost of a contested divorce higher?

A contested divorce is a lot more complex in different ways. First, you and your partner might disagree on the decision.

In that case, you need to show the court a valid reason for the divorce to free yourself from an unwanted marriage. And nobody knows that better than a skilled divorce lawyer.

Spousal support is another factor. On top of that, you could have a child together and share assets too. In such a case, your divorce is even more complicated. You might want the child custody so your partner.

Additionally, your ex-partner will hire a lawyer as well, so they get custody. And you would need to convince the court why you should get custody. Additionally, you two need to determine the necessary amount of child support.

Next, you want the assets to be distributed appropriately while your partner could’ve debts. If you don’t seek a lawyer’s help, you might also have to share the debts. Furthermore, your partner might make terms and conditions that are unjust. Here, a lawyer will find the loopholes and defy those.

As many aspects will require legal work in a contested divorce, the cost of a contested divorce is higher.

Concluding thoughts

The cost of a divorce varies depending on several factors, such as the province you’re living in, how skilled a lawyer is, child support, spousal support, assets distribution, and debt. I hope now you can plan accordingly to the circumstances of your divorce and estimate the costs.

See Also: Solve Law Matters By Expert Advocates of Pakistan