Top Facts You Should Know about the Cost of Divorce in Pennsylvania

When it comes to saying quits, the cost of divorce in PA worries every couple. Understandably, you want to be prepared for the upcoming expenses beforehand. Unfortunately, no one can tell you exactly the cost of the process without knowing the details of the case. And here’s why.

Every divorce case is unique. It may be as easy as a picnic in the park or full of hidden traps and pitfalls. And therefore, the cost may range from a few hundred up to several thousand dollars. On average, the cost of divorce in Pennsylvania reaches around $15,000. But some complicated cases may run as high as $20,000-30,000.

To get a clearer understanding, let’s find out why some divorces are more expensive than others and what you can do to cut the costs.

What Affects the Cost of Divorce in Pennsylvania?

Many affecting factors may either increase or cut the cost of divorce in PA. One of them is having a lot of contested issues that must be carefully considered by the court. The progression may rise exponentially depending on the number of unsolved issues you have in your case. In other words, the more contested issues you have the more expensive process you can expect.

Normally, such issues concern marital assets, child-related matters, or spousal support. So, if you want to minimize your expenses, perhaps, you should try to reach consent in a tête-à-tête environment? In any state, mutual consent cases are usually the cheapest divorce process. Their cost may be as little as around $500 (depending on the county), let alone they’re less stressful and can be started online.

Another factor that may add up to the cost of your marriage dissolution case is minor kids. Based on the estimates, divorce cases with minors involved can cost 1.5 times higher than divorces with no children in the marriage. In other words, deciding in the court who gets the children and how you’ll be sharing your parental time may cost you another $7,000-10,000.

Contested divorces are usually so expensive because they’re rarely solved without attorneys. Their fees start at $250 and may easily reach $2,000 or higher. But hiring the cheapest lawyer doesn’t always mean lower divorce costs. Lower-paid attorneys are usually less experienced and may need extra time to deal with something, which may mean more paid hours and higher costs in the long run.

Alternatively, some spouses choose self-representation in court. No judge can oblige you to hire a lawyer when you don’t want or need their assistance. This way divorcees don’t have to pay eye-watering attorney fees but this also means they can lose the case due to a lack of divorce law awareness. In the end, it may cost them even more than if they used legal help.

As an option, some couples try mediation (or the court may oblige them to go through it). This is a significantly cheaper service than hiring an attorney and a mediator tries to help spouses reach an agreement on their conflicts. Sometimes, it helps, and a couple can proceed with the uncontested divorce. In other cases, mediation costs just add up to the total cost.

How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce In Pennsylvania?

Even if you managed to reach mutual consent in divorce, don’t expect it to be free. Every divorcing couple will be charged with filing fees, which may be slightly different for every county. On average, you will have to pay $350-400 dollars only to have your submitted papers accepted and considered by a judge. If you want a court’s help with dividing assets, deciding on custody, or temporary support, this will cost you another $80-100 each.

Can You Divorce if You Can’t Pay?

Normally, a divorce case can’t be started until you pay the filing fees. However, in some cases, there may be an exception. The Pennsylvania Law allows spouses who can’t cover the fees to continue in Forma Pauperis. This means that if you can prove your low-income status and inability to pay the fees, the court may allow you to start the case for free.

The same goes for attorney expenses. If your financial situation doesn’t allow you to cover legal divorce fees, a judge may oblige the other party to pay them partially or in full. However, such a decision can be taken only if your spouse’s income is significantly higher than yours.

How Much Does It Cost for Legal Separation in PA?

Another question that bothers couples who want to part ways is the cost of legal separation in Pennsylvania. But before we answer that, let’s determine what this is.

Legal separation is a legally bound form of relationship when spouses discontinue their marital relationship but they’re not officially divorced. It’s not enough to reside in different homes to be legally separated. Spouses must officially register their decision.

In practice, a legal separation procedure is similar to a divorce. A couple would need to sign an agreement, which would contain the terms as to their financial, property, and child-related issues. Normally, the help of an attorney is required to make up and build an agreement. Often, to solve the conflicts a couple may have. Therefore, a legal separation process may cost no less than an average divorce case. If you’re unready to burn all the bridges, it may be an option. In other cases, going straight with the divorce may save you a good deal of money.

Bottom Line

The cost of divorce in PA is as unfixed as in any other state. As much as it may cost you a mere $500, it can also rob you blind during highly contested court litigations.

If you aim to go cheap, try to compromise as to all of the divorce terms. In this case, you can start a mutual consent divorce and avoid skyrocketing attorney fees.

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