How much does a family lawyer cost?
How much does a family lawyer cost?
$200 – $500 average cost per hour
Average family lawyer cost
A family law attorney costs $200 to $500 per hour on average. Some charge a $2,500 to $15,000 flat fee instead. A low-cost family attorney may charge less or take a 10% to 30% contingency if you win the case. A child custody lawyer costs about $150 to $400 per hour.
| Fee type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $200 – $500 |
| Retainer fee | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Flat fee | $2,500 – $15,000 |
| Contingency fee | 10% – 30% |
Hourly rate
The average family lawyer's hourly rate is $200 to $500, depending on their experience level and the case’s complexity. Hourly rates are a law firm’s most common fee structure. Lawyers tend to keep track of their time in 6-minute increments, or 1/10 of their hourly rate.
This structure is convenient for lawyers but can sometimes leave clients more anxious because they don't know how long the case will take or how much they'll end up spending.
Retainer fee
Family lawyers usually charge $2,000 to $5,000 for retainer fees in conjunction with an hourly rate. A retainer fee is basically a down payment charge for being on call. Lawyers determine retainer fees by estimating how many hours they expect to work within an expected time frame.
Most attorneys monitor the time they spend on phone calls or emails and apply that time towards the retainer fee. If your case goes over the time covered by their retainer fee, you'll pay extra.
Flat fee
Lawyers sometimes charge a $2,500 to $15,000 flat fee for common legal services like a divorce, custody modification, or adoption. The total cost depends on how much time they expect to spend on the case and whether the case will require court appearances.
A low-cost family lawyer may only charge $500 to $4,000 for basic services like reviewing paperwork or drafting a prenup or an agreed-upon parenting plan. These services involve little to no negotiations or court appearances.
Contingency fee
Sometimes, family lawyers will work on contingency if you expect to win a settlement during your court case. This means you’ll only pay them if they win the case for you. Most contingency fees are 10% to 30% of the settlement.
This fee covers the time they spend on your case and the up-front costs they pay while working:
Filing fees
Making copies
Postage
Recording depositions
Travel expenses
What is a family law attorney?
A family law attorney represents clients involving domestic issues and family relationships. They advocate for clients and help mediate in complex cases. Common cases or specialties include:
Divorce
Legal separation
Child custody
Alimony and child support
Domestic violence
Child abuse
Adoption
Guardianship
Prenups
Restraining orders
Family lawyer cost by type
Many family lawyers offer several different services, all under the same umbrella, while others only offer specific services for their specialty. Common family law specialties include child custody, divorce, child support, or guardianship.
| Family law type | Average cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Child custody | $150 – $400 |
| Divorce | $100 – $400 |
| Child support | $200 – $500 |
| Guardianship | $300 – $500 |
Family law attorney cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to hire a family lawyer:
Location: Family law attorneys in urban or affluent areas typically have higher rates than those in more rural areas. Washington D.C. has the highest average hourly rates in the US.
Experience: More experienced lawyers with good reputations and higher success rates tend to charge more than average.
Complexity: The more time, mediation, and court appearances your case requires, the more you’ll spend. For example, contested divorces or complex custody arrangements take longer than cases where there are no disputes.
Other expenses: Your lawyer may charge extra if the case involves contacting expert witnesses, private investigation, or hiring extra paralegal assistance.
Most attorneys work for free on a few cases every year. If you can’t afford a lawyer, contact a legal aid society like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for help.
Other lawyer costs by type
If your case includes other factors or if you need help with a different case, you may need additional help from another lawyer. Most lawyers cost about $150 to $400 per hour. The following table shows the average rates of lawyers in different fields:
| Lawyer type | Average hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Divorce attorney cost | $100 – $400 |
| Tax attorney cost | $200 – $400 |
| Wills attorney cost | $150 – $400 |
| Domestic violence lawyer cost | $250 – $450 |
| Immigration lawyer cost | $150 – $300 |
| DUI lawyer cost | $200 – $500 |
| Patent attorney cost | $300 – $1,200 |
| Workers’ comp lawyer cost | 10% – 30% contingency fee |
Family lawyer FAQs
What does a family lawyer do?
A family lawyer takes on clients who are dealing with domestic issues or need help with something related to a family relationship. This includes divorces, custody cases, adoptions, abuse cases, prenups, or restraining orders.
Do family law attorneys manage divorce?
Yes, family law attorneys can manage divorce cases. However, they can only represent one spouse during the divorce. Uncontested divorces are somewhat simple, especially with no children involved. Many couples can handle an uncontested divorce on their own.
Contested, litigated divorces are more expensive and difficult. Either a family law attorney or a specialized divorce lawyer can help mediate during disputes about assets, custody, child support, alimony, and debts.
Do I need a family law attorney?
Most people can handle simple court filings or name changes without an attorney. Otherwise, it would be in your best interest to have an attorney on your side for serious cases involving divorce, custody, adoption, or abuse. Without a lawyer, the case could take longer or have an unfavorable outcome.
How do I prepare to meet with a family law attorney?
You can prepare to meet with a family law attorney by gathering the relevant documents listed below. The documents you need will vary depending on your case but usually include:
Bank statements
Birth certificates
Employment information
Mortgage data
Tax returns
Getting estimates from family lawyers
Follow these steps when looking for family lawyers near you:
Compare reviews of lawyers on Lawful and Google.
Verify their credentials and ask for their hourly rates.
Pick a lawyer who makes you feel at ease.
Select a firm close to you if possible.
Get a contract in writing before they start any casework.
Questions to ask family law attorneys
It’s important to hire reliable help for family law cases. When looking for representation, you should ask the following questions:
How long have you been practicing family law?
When did you pass the bar?
Can you provide any references from past clients?
What is your hourly rate?
Do you offer flat rates for simple cases?
Will I have to pay a retainer fee for your services?
Do you give free consultations to prospective clients?
Do you have time to take on my case?
How long do you expect this case will take to resolve?
Can you give me a contract in writing?
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.