Look, getting a lawyer for custody battles isn’t cheap. You’re looking at anywhere from $250 to $600 an hour, with most lawyers charging around $358. That’s just how it is in New York.
Before they even start, most lawyers want a retainer – a down payment. You’ll need to fork over somewhere between $3,500 and $10,000 just to get started. It’s a lot, I know.
Here’s the thing about custody cases: If you and your ex can agree on stuff (wouldn’t that be nice?), you might get away with spending only $2,500 to $7,500. But if things get ugly – and they often do – you could be looking at $50,000+, sometimes even more, if serious issues are involved.
And don’t forget about all the extras. The courts want their filing fees. You might need someone to serve papers. If things go sideways, you might need to bring in expert witnesses. It adds up fast.
Final costs substantially depend on the following:
- How messy your case gets
- How experienced your lawyer is (the outstanding ones cost more, obviously)
- How much you and your ex end up fighting about everything
Advisory: It’s wise to have a frank conversation about money during your first meeting with any lawyer. Make them spell out exactly what you’re getting into. The last thing you need is surprise bills showing up when you’re already dealing with custody stress.
