Services
Business & Commercial Dispute Resolution Document & Notarial Employment Law Family & Personal Immigration & International Real Estate & Property Find an ExpertA divorce lawyer, also called a family lawyer or family law attorney, helps you end a marriage fairly and protects your money, home and children along the way. Here is what they do, what it costs and how to choose one near you.
In an uncontested divorce you and your spouse agree on everything: property, money and the children. It is usually the quickest and cheapest route, and many lawyers offer it for a fixed fee. A lawyer still checks that the agreement is fair and properly written up so it can be enforced later.
A contested divorce is one where you disagree on one or more issues. Most are still settled through negotiation or mediation rather than a full trial, but they take longer and cost more. If your spouse already has a lawyer, or there are significant assets, a business or a dispute over children, get your own lawyer early.
In the USA, divorce is handled by each state, so the rules on property division, waiting periods and residency differ from state to state. Some states divide marital property equally (community property states such as California and Texas), while most divide it "equitably", which means fairly but not always 50/50. You need a lawyer licensed in the state where the divorce is filed.
In England and Wales, divorce has been "no fault" since April 2022, so nobody has to prove blame. There is a minimum of 20 weeks between applying and the conditional order, then at least six weeks before the final order. The financial settlement is a separate process, and it is the part where a family solicitor matters most. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.
It depends mainly on how much you and your spouse disagree. A simple uncontested divorce is often handled for a fixed fee. A contested divorce is usually charged by the hour, and the total grows with every issue that has to be negotiated or decided by a judge.
Ask for a written estimate at the start, ask who will do the work (a partner, an associate or a paralegal at lower rates), and ask whether mediation could settle some issues for less. Our guide to what a lawyer costs explains hourly rates, fixed fees and retainers.
Choose someone who mainly handles divorce and family matters, not an occasional family case alongside other work.
They must be licensed where your divorce will be filed. Every My Legal Hub listing shows the regulator and registration number so you can check it yourself.
Some lawyers aim to settle calmly, others are known for fighting hard in court. Pick the style that suits your situation, and ask if they offer mediation or collaborative divorce.
Many offer a free or low-cost first consultation. Use it to judge how clearly they explain things and how they would handle your case.
Here’s what happens next:
We’ve emailed you a copy. Nothing there? Check your spam folder.
Not always. If you and your spouse agree on everything and have few assets, you may be able to file yourselves. A lawyer is strongly advised if you own a home, have retirement savings or pensions, have children, run a business, or your spouse has a lawyer, because mistakes in the settlement are hard to undo later.
An uncontested divorce can take a few months, depending on the waiting periods where you live. In England and Wales the minimum is around six months from application to final order. A contested divorce with disputes over money or children can take a year or more.
There is no real difference. Divorce is the most common work of a family lawyer, who also handles custody, child support, prenuptial agreements, adoption and domestic abuse protection.
Generally no. A lawyer can only act for one side, because your interests are different. You can, however, use a single mediator together and then have separate lawyers check the agreement.
Often yes, for a fixed fee. A lawyer makes sure the agreement covers everything, including retirement accounts and pensions, which are often missed, and that it is written so a court will approve and enforce it.
Free to search. No registration. Lawyers and legal experts worldwide.
Get matched with a divorce lawyer● AI-powered | Online - Global Legal Marketplace
Separate multiple addresses with commas, spaces, or new lines.
Ready to send 0 invitation(s) using the - template.
Each recipient gets one email. They will not be contacted again unless they sign up.
Select language