How much a family lawyer will cost in the State of Missouri will vary based on many different things, including where the case is being handled and the issues that are involved. When someone has any type of family law issue or questions, it can be helpful for them to find a family lawyer who will be able to give them advice, guidance, and representation.
Family lawyers handle cases involving family law, which is a broad body of laws that covers many different issues, such as:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Adoption
- Emancipation
- Domestic violence
- Divorce
When an individual is trying to choose a lawyer, it may be helpful for them to have an understanding of how much it may cost as well as how to prepare for a consultation. The cost of a family lawyer in Missouri is $150 to $500 or more per hour.
When someone has an issue that may not be difficult to handle, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or reviewing a parenting plan, the lawyer may charge a flat fee.
If an individual has an issue that is simpler to handle, such as reviewing a parenting plan or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family attorney may charge a flat fee. On average, this cost may range from $200 to $5,000 or more, depending on the issues that are involved.
A lawyer may also use a flat fee arrangement for things that can be resolved with minimum court appearances or negotiations. For more complicated cases, such as child custody cases, the cost will most likely be substantially higher.
A more complicated family law case can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000 or more. For more information on family law issues in Missouri and their costs, it is important to consult with a local attorney in Missouri.
What Factors Are Used in Calculating Family Lawyer Fees?
There are numerous issues that can have an affect on how much a lawyer will cost in a family law case, such as:
- Experience and reputation: Lawyers who have experience handling similar types of cases and have a good reputation in their area may charge higher fees.
- Location: The average lawyer fees in an area can have an impact on the rates a lawyer charges.
- The complexity of the case: Cases with many different issues or substantial assets may require more time and resources, which often means higher costs.
- Billing structure: The total cost of a case may be influenced by the fee arrangement that is used.
An individual should address the issues noted above during their attorney consultation with an attorney who they are considering hiring in order to have an understanding of the costs they will pay to resolve their issue.
What Is the Average Retainer Fee for a Family Lawyer?
In Missouri, the average retainer fee for a family lawyer is around $3,500. However, the cost may range anywhere from $500 to $25,000, depending on how complex the lawyer believes the case will be to resolve. If any amount of the retainer fee is left over once the case is resolved, unless otherwise agreed, it will likely be returned to the client.
What Does a Family Law Attorney Do?
A family law attorney is a lawyer who handles cases that involve many different types of issues that affect families. Family lawyers can help their clients with many different things, such as:
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Divorce
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and spousal support (alimony)
- Domestic violence and restraining orders
- Adoption and guardianship
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
People sign documents when they become engaged or after they get married that specify their rights and duties if they separate or divorce in the future, called prenuptial agreements or postnuptial agreements. A family law attorney can help their clients draft these types of agreements while helping make sure that their rights and assets remain protected no matter what happens with their relationship.
Divorce
A family law attorney can help their client with the Missouri divorce process. Throughout the process, the lawyer can give their client guidance about their rights and obligations related to dividing their property, spousal support, and child custody and visitation issues.
Child custody and visitation
Child visitation and child custody issues can be some of the most difficult issues to resolve in a family law case. A lawyer will provide their client with advice about the different types of custody arrangements, such as:
- Shared custody
- Sole custody
- Joint custody
Family law attorneys can also help their client create a parenting plan and minimize the conflicts that arise between the parents while maintaining the child’s routine as much as possible. If a custody order already exists, a lawyer can help request a modification when their circumstances have changed.
Child support and spousal support (alimony)
Child support and alimony are different types of financial obligations that former spouses can be ordered to pay during or after a legal separation or divorce. Family lawyers can help clients understand how their obligations may be calculated and help the parties come to a fair agreement on these issues.
Domestic violence and restraining orders
There may be situations in which a family lawyer’s client needs to protect themselves or a loved one from a domestic violence incident. A lawyer can help their client get a restraining order and develop a safety plan. Family lawyers can also give clients information on additional resources they can use, including counseling and shelters.
Adoption and guardianship
A family law attorney can help their client meet the requirements for obtaining a guardianship or for an adoption, including:
- Background checks
- Court proceedings
- Home studies
A family law attorney can help their client decide the best type of adoption for their family. They can also help them fulfill the legal requirements to become a child’s guardian.
What Services Do Family Law Attorneys Provide?
Family law attorneys provide their clients with many different services, which can include, but are not limited to:
- Case strategy and legal advice: Family law attorneys will provide their clients with legal advice and develop a strategy to best present arguments on their client’s behalf. A family lawyer will also give advice about their client’s rights, consequences of different strategies, and possible outcomes of the case.
- Drafting and filing the necessary legal documents: A family law attorney will take care of the large amounts of paperwork involved in these cases, which includes documents that need to be drafted and submitted at specific times.
- Collaborating with experts: A family law issue may require help from an expert, such as a mental health professional, accountant, or appraiser.
- Negotiating settlements: A family law attorney also represents their clients during negotiations and helps their clients try to reach agreements that meet their client’s needs.
Are There Any Advantages of Hiring a Family Lawyer?
There are many different advantages to hiring a family law attorney, including:
- The lawyer will protect their client’s rights and interests
- Using their negotiation skills during meetings
- Representing clients during court appearances
- Giving their client the ability to focus on their personal lives while the lawyer handles the case
Although hiring a family law attorney does cost money, the benefits of the professional advice and assistance outweigh the costs. When an individual has a lawyer, it will give them a sense of security and peace of mind knowing that their issue is being professionally handled.
Do I Need an Attorney for Help With Family Law Issues?
When you have any type of issue, question, or concern related to family law, it is important to consult with a Missouri family lawyer. Your family law attorney will provide you with advice and support while you are working to resolve your issues.
LegalMatch can help you find a family law attorney near you at no cost. Just submit your family law concern on the website, and within around 24 hours, you will get responses from member lawyers in your area who are qualified and ready to help.
