How Much Does A Child Custody Lawyer Cost?

Updated on April 5, 2021
Updated: January 18, 2023

It is normal for a parent to want what is best for their child. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child's future is secure and safe. One of the significant factors that will help determine the child's future is who ends up with custody.

While going through the child custody process, you may be trying to determine if getting a child custody attorney is best. The issue can weigh heavily on you because of the costs involved in hiring a child custody lawyer. While you ask yourself, 'how much does a child custody lawyer cost?', you have to remember that your child's life is valuable. It is essential to make sure that you get the best representation.

Every biological parent has the right to legally pursue sole custody of their child. They can as well pursue their child visitation rights legally. Even if the parents were not married at the child's time of birth, they have a right to pursue their claim. The court listens to the child custody matter and decides the case based on what is best for the child.

Spouses going through a divorce do not need to seek the help of an Orland Park child custody attorney. They can work out an agreement if possible. Even though it is not a must for you to seek legal counsel from a skilled child custody attorney, doing so will ensure that your parental rights are honored.

How Much Will You Spend In a Child Custody Case?

How much you will spend in a child custody case depends on the child custody attorney you have hired and your case's nature.

Filing for the divorce in itself will cost you anywhere from $200 up to $400, depending on your location. If you are unable to pay the filing fees for your divorce, you can fill out a waiver at the district clerk's office to see if you qualify to have your fee waived.

The hefty fee you will incur during child custody proceedings is because of the legal expenses incurred during a child custody dispute. In the cases where a couple is unable to agree on anything in the child custody battle, the fee will be higher.  

What will determine the cost of a child custody case?

  • The legal representation you have chosen. An experienced child custody attorney will who has built a reputation for themselves over the years will cost you an extra buck
  • Your case. How difficult or easy it is will determine how much you will end up spending
  • The amount of time that it will take for your case to be resolved
  • Other miscellaneous arrears like court fees plus additional fees incurred during the process

The structure of the child custody attorney matters. What is their payment plan? Here are some of the standard payment plans that custody attorneys can offer you.

  • Flat rate agreement. Simple cases that are not complicated will be given a flat rate.
  • An hourly rate. This is the most common structure for most attorneys. The fee will differ pending on the legal counsel you have hired.
  • A referral rate. Some lawyers will charge you for referring you to another lawyer
  • Consultation fee. Some firms will charge you a small consultation fee, while some will not charge you for the initial consultation
  • Retainer fee. You would need to make a down payment of the hourly rate after estimating how long the case will take and how much you will be charged per hour.

Visit us, the family law attorneys at Tommalieh Law in Chicago, or give us a call. We would love to discuss rates and the intricate details of your case with you!

How much does a child custody lawyer cost?

Things To Consider Before Hiring A Family Law Attorney to Work On Your Case

There are a few things you want to consider before getting representation for your child custody proceedings.

How Difficult Is Your Case?

When you are faced with a complex child custody case, the best decision you can make is to hire an experienced child custody attorney to represent you. However, suppose your issue is not complex, and you feel confident about representing yourself. In that case, you should start by learning about the child custody law in the state you reside in.

An interstate child custody battle is considered complex, and you may want to seek the services of an experienced lawyer.

If you feel that you need a family law attorney with high a level of experience to represent you, we can help you out.

Has The Child Custody Attorney Built a Reputation For Himself?

If you hire a child custody lawyer to represent you, you need to make sure that you are getting the best.

Most parents who decide to hire child custody lawyers hire them depending on their track record for winning cases. A child custody battle is critical. You need to look for a lawyer that has a history of winning. Ask them to give you references. You need to know who you are entrusting your case to and you will know that talking to their former clients.

Be inquisitive and prepare a list of important questions that you feel you need to ask your attorney. 

How Much Do You Plan To Invest?

When you are trying to find a knowledgeable child custody attorney to represent your case, you should, first of all, consider their credentials before considering the attorney fee. However, you also want to be financially wise and hire a lawyer that you can actually afford.

When you are in the initial custody evaluation meeting, find out how much a lawyer in Orland Park, Illinois, will cost you. How much is their hourly charge? How much is their retainer fee? Suppose you feel that their cost of child custody is too high after discussing with the lawyer. In that case, you can consider visiting the legal aid offices and seeking legal aid or low-cost representation since you are entitled to it.

Depending on the state you are in, some courts will tell you if you qualify for low-cost representation based on your current income or income level. 

Is The Case Contested or Uncontested?

If the child custody case is not being contested, the cost of the case will be low. On the other hand, when there is one party claiming sole custody and is unwilling to compromise, the case will likely cost more. There will be expert witnesses called in to testify and other professionals who may be required to speak.

Since the person is not willing to corporate, this type of child custody proceedings will go on to become a full-court trial. 

Protect Your Parental Right! Call Our Orlando Park, Illinois Child Custody Lawyer 

When you are ready to hire a family lawyer who understands that child custody proceedings can be complex and emotionally draining. In that case, you should come to Tommalieh law. We have the right legal services experience and the credentials to back it up. Our divorce lawyers are trained, and they have knowledge on a wide range of family law aspects.

You are looking for a child custody lawyer who will help you understand the rights and options you have. They'll ready your custody claim so they can represent you in court. A good lawyer will not be looking to immediately take things to court. They will try and avoid litigation and help you pursue an out-of-court settlement. If the out of court child custody agreement fails, they will then represent you in court and help you protect your parental right!

Trust our experienced family law attorneys to protect your parental right today. Make that phone call right now!  

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