An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on all terms of the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support or maintenance, and child custody and support. Both parties must work amicably in signing paperwork and cooperating throughout the process. An uncontested divorce is generally considered an inexpensive or cheap divorce, typically more affordable than traditional divorce options. But what exactly can you expect as your uncontested divorce cost?
Read on for a brief rundown of our legal and additional expenses that you can expect with your uncontested divorce. For more cost-related information and to get started on your Missouri uncontested divorce, you can call us at 636-946-4343 or contact us online.
Our Uncontested Divorce Fees
Our uncontested divorce costs are as follows:
- Uncontested Divorce without children from $700
- Uncontested Divorce with children from $900
Our fees are dependent on the time that I anticipate I will need to take your case from start to finish, until you have your Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation. This includes the cost to prepare all necessary documents on your behalf based upon our consultation, present a draft of those documents for review, offer free notary service for local parties with ID, and file all documents with the court. Court filing fees and other expenses, such as deed copies and large mailing expenses covering St. Louis County and St. Charles County, Missouri, are not included in my fees.
What are Additional Expenses Not Included in My Fees?
Our uncontested divorce fee does not include charges that are outside my control such as court filing fees, records expenses, postage, and the like. Your uncontested divorce cost also does not include documents that are customarily drafted after the divorce is granted, such as Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) or deeds. I can prepare these post-judgment documents for you at an additional fee upon your request.
Every case has a court filing fee of about $135 to $180, depending upon which circuit court your case will be filed with. Some cases are a bit more involved and may require service of process either by special process server or local sheriff (about $60 on average) and publication of notice to one of the parties (about $80-$100). If special records, such as a legal description on a recorded deed ($1-$20) or special postage ($5-$25), are required, those costs will need to be collected as well.
If you cannot locate your spouse or if he/she is unresponsive, getting into swift contact with them will be necessary to discuss obtaining a default judgment. You will then have to account for the personal service attempt by the local sheriff or a special process server and/or publication in a court-approved legal paper in your uncontested divorce cost.
What Payment Arrangements Can Both Parties Make?
Generally, spouses agree between themselves on how the lawyer fee will be split or paid. One option is that you can include, in the Marital Settlement Agreement, a term that requires you (the Respondent) to reimburse your spouse (the Petitioner) for a certain proportion (agreed upon by both parties) of the fee. Another option is for each party to split the attorney equally.
Have Questions On the Cost of Your Uncontested Divorce?
At Terry L. Kaufman, LLC, we provide our Missouri clients with affordable and straightforward uncontested divorce costs. When you contact me with your case, you will be provided with a fee quote. This amount will not change. There are no hidden costs or hourly fees to worry about. When planning your uncontested divorce cost, make sure to consider the additional expenses incurred during the process and not directly related to the services I provide.
For a thorough cost discussion and review of your case, contact us to schedule your consultation by phone at 636-946-4343 or complete our online form.