Physically, emotionally, and financially, divorce can be taxing. People frequently wonder if they will be responsible for paying for their spouse’s legal counsel during the divorce and if they can compel their spouse to do so.
As with most questions involving interpersonal relationships, this inquiry has no simple answer. The family law judge divides the divorce lawyers’ fees according to the specifics of each case. Each spouse may be responsible for their legal fees during a divorce. In certain situations, the court may also order one spouse to pay a predetermined portion of the other’s legal fees.
Do I need a divorce attorney?
You can retain the services of a divorce attorney if you require assistance in formulating and pursuing your goals regarding legal decisions, parenting time, child support, property and asset division, spousal support, or filing for divorce in AZ. If your spouse also plans to retain legal counsel or your divorce case is particularly complex, it’s highly encouraged to do the same.
How should I broach the subject of my spouse footing the bill for my divorce attorney with them?
If you don’t ask, you won’t get it. You can request that your spouse pay for your divorce attorney in Texas, but you must do so in your initial petition for divorce. The Florida Statute §61.16 is a guideline to determine who pays attorney fees for a divorce in Florida. Importantly, your attorney must include this request in the petition.
Who pays attorney’s fees in a collaborative divorce?
The parties in a collaboratively administered divorce decide how their collaborative professionals, such as their attorneys, will be paid.
Divorces settled through collaborative law in Arizona typically take much less time and are more affordable to finalize than those settled through the courts. You might be able to get divorced at around sixty to ninety days after filing, and you might save thousands of dollars in legal fees and other costs.
How does the judge decide who pays the divorce attorney?
To determine who will pay the divorce attorneys’ fees, the judge will consider the financial circumstances of both parties. If one spouse earns a disproportionately higher income than the other, the judge may deem it appropriate to order that spouse to pay for the other’s divorce attorney fees. In these cases, it is important to consult with a divorce attorney Long Island who can provide guidance on how such decisions are made and help ensure that the process is fair for both parties.
Can the court consider an unfavorable spouse’s behavior when determining who pays for legal representation during divorce?
Yes. If one spouse acted in “bad faith” or an annoying manner, the judge might order that spouse to cover the other spouse’s legal fees. Examples of possible bad faith include:
- Not complying with discovery requests.
- Refusing to abide by court orders.
- Hiding assets.
- It intentionally draws out the process to create financial hardship for the other party.
During which stage of the divorce process do spouses decide who will pay for legal representation?
After the divorce has been finalized, each party will share the cost of their attorneys. Both parties will disclose the total cost of their attorneys after the divorce has been completed, as these fees are considered community debt and property.
Next, the judge will decide how to allocate the cost of attorneys for each side. One spouse will be accountable for the other’s expenses if the court orders that person to do so.
What happens if one spouse cannot afford to hire an attorney when getting a divorce?
One spouse may file a Motion for Interim Attorney Fees if they cannot afford legal representation throughout the divorce proceedings. The court will then consider the total cost of legal representation for both parties and their respective financial circumstances. The judge will then decide which spouse is responsible for the divorce-related legal fees of the other.
