The legal process
Do you need a lawyer? When to hire one
Many people finish without full representation. Some situations call for a lawyer from day one.
Most people in family court handle at least part of their case without a lawyer. That is legal in every state. The question is where a lawyer adds more than they cost.
Hire a lawyer early if
- There is domestic violence, threats or coercive control.
- Your spouse already has a lawyer.
- You suspect hidden income or assets, or there is a business to value.
- Custody is disputed or a parent wants to move far away with the children.
- There are large retirement accounts, pensions, stock options or property in several states or countries.
Limited scope help
Many lawyers will do one task for a set fee or a few hours: review your settlement, coach you for a hearing, or draft a single document. This is sometimes called unbundled or limited scope representation. It is often the best value in an uncontested case.
What lawyers cost
Many family lawyers bill a few hundred dollars an hour and ask for a retainer up front. Full representation through trial can reach tens of thousands of dollars for each spouse. KindSplit's professionals work by the hour with no retainer.
Counsel, KindSplit's AI divorce lawyer, can answer most questions and draft your documents. It is not a licensed attorney and will tell you when a question needs one.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change over time. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.
More guides like this
More on the legal process
How a divorce moves through court, step by step
File, serve, disclose, agree, finalize. The names change by state. The shape does not.
Serving your spouse: methods, timing and proof
Service is the step most often done wrong. Here is how to do it right the first time.
Financial disclosures: what you must share and when
Full and honest disclosure is required in every state. Incomplete disclosure is the most expensive mistake in divorce.
Ready when you are
Turn this into your plan.
Counsel applies this to your state and your own numbers, and builds your roadmap with dates.