While you should never enter into a divorce without a team of experienced Denver divorce lawyers, on your side, it’s no secret that a divorce can be expensive. With so many fees, including divorce attorney fees, some may think that paying for a divorce is almost impossible. However, you should never let financial concerns prevent you from doing what’s right for yourself and your family. In fact, in Colorado, there are laws that work to ensure that the financial hardships of a divorce are more equitable between both parties.
Here, we’re taking a closer look at the costs of a divorce and the average cost you can expect from a divorce in Colorado. We also review who generally pays attorney fees in a divorce and what you can do if you can’t afford your divorce attorney fees.
How Much Does a Divorce in Colorado Usually Cost?
While financial concerns should never prevent someone from taking the right steps for their families, the costs of a divorce cannot be simply ignored. While each divorce will cost a different sum depending on a variety of unique factors, they simply aren’t cheap in most cases. Some factors that affect cost include the attorney fees, court fees, potential mediators, and the overall length and complication of the divorce.
But how much could one expect to pay for a divorce in the state of Colorado? According to data, the average cost of a Colorado divorce ranges between $9,000 and $11,000. This total sum includes all the fees, including divorce attorney fees, filing fees, courts fees, and more. But in many cases, the cost of the divorce, at the end of the day, really comes down to the relationship between the two previous spouses.
If, for example, they pursue an uncontested divorce, there’s a good chance the overall costs would be much lower as these divorces move much quicker with fewer complications. However, if the divorce gets more complicated and the spouses simply can’t agree on terms, then the divorce proceeding will probably drag on which makes it much more expensive for everyone involved.
Who Pays the Attorney Fees in a Divorce?
So, let’s get to the focus of this article: who ends up paying the attorney fees in a divorce? Generally, this comes down to the resources of each spouse. In Colorado, each spouse is responsible for paying their own divorce attorney fees. But in some cases, like when one spouse does not have the necessary means or resources to do so, the court may actually order the other spouse to pay their attorney fees or cover some of the divorce costs.
There is no straightforward answer to who pays the fees in a divorce in Colorado. Who pays these fees and the overall divorce costs will be determined due to the individual resources for each party involved. This, of course, is another reason why having a quality divorce attorney on your side is so important. They can help you assess potential fees and costs, and if needed, help you find options to have your fees covered.
What if I Can’t Afford to Pay My Divorce Attorney Fees?
But what if I really can’t afford to pay for a divorce attorney? If you don’t think you can, be sure to explore potential options with an experienced Denver divorce attorney. For example, if one spouse controls most the finances (like when one stays at home to raise the children), then the spouse who is financially dependent on the other may worry they could never really successfully file for divorce and afford the process.
But in Colorado, there are options available. In these situations, those in Colorado may file for a “Rose motion.” Originating from a landmark case, the Rose motions mean that a trial court can award prospective attorney fees to one spouse. Thus, the court can order one spouse with more financial resources to provide funds to the other spouses to help cover some of the costs, which may include partial or full divorce attorney fees.
Thus, if you don’t think you can hire a divorce attorney, ask your legal expert to file a Rose motion on your behalf. This works to ensure that the financial hardship of the entire divorce proceeding will be split up in a more equitable manner between the two former spouses. This is just one avenue taken by the courts to help those in financial hardship to afford a decision that could benefit themselves and their families.
Conclusion – Who Pays the Attorney Fees in a Divorce?
A divorce can be a rigorous, time-consuming, and emotionally stressful experience. On top of all that, they can also become rather expensive. In Colorado, each spouse is responsible for handling their own Denver divorce attorney fees. But if one spouse has very limited funds or resources, then there is still help available. They may file a Rose motion that then allows the court to order that the one spouse with more financial means will cover partial or all of the legal fees associated with the divorce. Determining who pays the attorney fees in a divorce can be complex and confusing.
That’s just one reason why you should never pursue these family law issues on your own. Working with an experienced Denver divorce law firm can help you understand your case from a legal perspective and determine what this process might end up costing. Having a team of legal and family law experts on your side can help you assess your options, set realistic goals, and understand the legal implications of pursuing a divorce in Colorado. They’ll also negotiate on your behalf in efforts to see that your family goals are met and your rights are protected.