A divorce can be expensive, particularly if it involves a long legal battle. An uncontested divorce, in which both parties agree to terms of the separation without going to court, costs significantly less but still has a few fees attached. The divorce lawyers at Hildebrand Law Office PC in La Fayette, GA, explain the costs of an uncontested divorce and break them into a few categories, some of which you might be able to avoid.

3 Factors in the Cost of an Uncontested Divorce

Filing Fees

The most inexpensive divorce possible is limited to the cost of filing. The price varies from county to county, but you should expect to pay about $210.50 to file, on average. For couples with children, Georgia requires a mandatory parenting class, which costs an extra $35–$40. You can apply to have the fees waived if you can’t afford them, so a divorce can cost nothing in some cases.

Lawyer Fees

Even in an uncontested divorce, the process of completing the paperwork and reaching an agreement might require a lawyer's advice. Many family law attorneys offer a flat rate to handle an uncontested divorce from start to finish; the fee usually is less than $1,000. You can try to get all the information you need in one consultation, for which you should pay their hourly rate. Depending on the lawyer, this can range from $50 to a few hundred dollars.

Additional Services

You might have a few hoops to jump through when dividing assets. If you have real estate, you will need to have it appraised, which can cost several hundred dollars. An expert's advice on dividing retirement benefits might cost another $200.

While an uncontested divorce isn't nearly as expensive as a contested one, you should be prepared for the costs. To request a consultation with a divorce lawyer or inquire about fees, call Hildebrand Law Office PC at (706) 638-6009 or review their services online. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to receive legal tips and news from the firm.