How much does a domestic violence lawyer cost?
How much does a domestic violence lawyer cost?
$150 – $500 average cost per hour
$3,500 – $20,000 average flat fee
Average lawyer fees for domestic violence
Hiring a domestic violence lawyer costs $150 to $500 per hour or $3,500 to $20,000 total on average. The fees depend on the attorney's experience level, the severity of the charges, and your location. If you're accused of domestic violence, you may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, please call 911 for immediate help. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for resources or text BEGIN to 88788.
| Fee type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $150 – $500 per hour |
| Flat fee or retainer | $3,500 – $20,000 |
Hourly rate
A domestic violence lawyer costs $150 to $500 per hour, depending on the complexity of the case and their experience level. This hourly rate applies for any time they spend on phone calls, emails, research, and court time.
Flat fee or retainer
The total cost of hiring a domestic violence lawyer ranges from $3,500 to $20,000. Simpler cases cost less than ones that go to trial or involve multiple victims. Some firms charge flat fees, but most charge a retainer fee, which is like a deposit based off their hourly rate.
A domestic lawyer may charge $500 to $1,500 if you only need help with smaller tasks like drafting legal documents or representation during a restraining order hearing.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence (DV) is any abusive behavior in a domestic relationship used to get or keep control over the other person. This includes physical, sexual, mental, or emotional abuse as well as threats of violence. Some specific examples of domestic violence are:
Assault
Kidnapping or false imprisonment
Elder abuse
Child abuse
Harassment
Stalking
Domestic violence attorney cost factors
The following factors may impact the cost of hiring a DV lawyer:
Location: The price of legal aid varies by geographic location. Attorneys are more likely to charge higher rates in urban areas with higher living costs.
Skill level: Highly experienced attorneys charge more because they have a better track record than newer, less experienced lawyers.
Case severity: DV chargesoften increase the severity of penalties. If the alleged victim was pregnant during the offense, the judge could escalate the case from misdemeanor to felony.
Court type: A DV lawyer may charge different rates if your case is held at a civil court, family court, or criminal court.
Prior record: If the accused has any prior charges or convictions related to domestic violence, the case will likely be harder, so a lawyer may charge more.
Pro bono: Many lawyers represent a certain number of clients for free, or "pro bono," per year. If you're the victim of domestic violence, they may be more likely to work on your case pro bono.
Additional fees
Depending on their fee structure, your lawyer may bill separately for different court-related fees, such as:
Filing fee
Hearing fee
Finding expert witnesses
Hiring a private investigator
Service of process
Document retrieval
Forensic analysis
Court reporter fee
Other lawyer costs
Some cases may need a lawyer with a different specialty or someone who offers other services. The table below shows the average cost for these services:
| Lawyer or service type | Average hourly fee | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal defense lawyer cost | $200 – $500 | $1,500 – $30,000+ |
| Family lawyer cost | $200 – $500 | $2,500 – $15,000 |
| Divorce lawyer cost | $100 – $400 | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Divorce mediation cost | $150 – $500 | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Restraining order cost | $150 – $400 | $0 to file |
After a divorce, changing your name costs $35 to $770 total, depending on the state. However, you should be able to cut costs significantly if you include the name change in the divorce decree.
FAQs about domestic violence cases
Do I need a lawyer for domestic violence charges?
Legal aid for domestic violence cases is highly recommended, whether you're a victim or defendant. A DV lawyer can help gather evidence, build a case, offer advice, or negotiate plea deals. A DV conviction could result not only in jail time, but:
Fines or recompensation
An intervention program
A permanent criminal record
A restraining order
Loss of child custody
Loss of gun rights
Deportation for non-citizens
Is domestic violence a felony?
Domestic violence can either be a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the severity of the charges and the offender's arrest record. Minor altercations or threats are normally misdemeanors. Significant harm, sexual assault, and repeated abuse are more likely to be a felony.
Do people with domestic violence go into anger management?
Judges often include Batterer Intervention & Prevention Programs (BIPPs) in a DV sentencing, not anger management classes. This is because abusive partners don't express anger towards family, friends, or coworkers the way they do their significant other—in these cases, the root problem is control and power, not anger.
Are dating violence and domestic violence the same thing?
Dating violence, or intimate partner violence, is a type of domestic violence specifically between people in a romantic relationship. Domestic violence is a larger category that includes violence or abuse from someone in any type of relationship: a partner, spouse, ex, parent, child, or other family member.
Finding a domestic violence lawyer
Follow these steps when looking for domestic violence or family lawyers near you:
Research client reviews on Lawful and Google.
Make sure they have plenty of experience and a good success rate.
Choose a law firm with a transparent fee structure.
If possible, pick a local lawyer who's close by.
Obtain a detailed, written contract before starting.
Questions to ask a domestic violence attorney
Domestic violence cases can be complex and stressful. Ask prospective lawyers these questions to make sure they're the right fit for you and are competent enough to represent you properly:
How long ago did you pass the bar exam?
How much experience do you have with domestic violent cases?
Do you charge a retainer fee? How much is your hourly rate?
Will any paralegals be helping with my case? If so, will you charge a lower rate for that?
What is your strategy for this case?
Could I have a free consultation before I decide?
Will you be able to help me with getting a restraining order or other related tasks?
What are my chances of winning this case?
How long do you think this will take from start to finish?
Will I have to appear in court? Will you be there with me?
When can we sign a contract and begin?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.