How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Connecticut?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Connecticut’s marriage rate remains one of the lowest in the country. Despite the low marriage rate, the divorce rate is in line with the rest of the nation. Most recent data indicates that Connecticut had about 1.6 divorces per one thousand inhabitants.
Many people embarking on a separation or divorce find themselves wondering, How much does a divorce cost in CT?
The truth is that there is no straightforward or concrete answer to this question that will apply in every case. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that divorce carries many tangible and intangible costs that can vary widely from case to case.
Lawyers are generally expensive, and we are more expensive than many. This is because, typically, we handle high-net-worth divorces, which are much more complex. Such complex cases require more expertise and more work. Therefore, they often take significantly longer to finalize.
Our Connecticut divorce lawyers will explain.
For immediate assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call (860) 561-0651 today.
How Much Does an Average Divorce Cost in Connecticut?
Filing for divorce can drastically improve one’s life; however, various considerations impact the efficiency and cost of divorce in CT. But just how much is a divorce in CT?
The average financial price of divorce is estimated to be about $12,900 to over $15,000. However, those price tags do not include ongoing costs you might have to pay after your divorce is final—such as child and spousal support.
In the end, an average is only a jumping-off point of reference and might not reflect your cost at all. A simple divorce might be less, and a complex divorce will almost certainly be more. Determining how much your divorce might cost requires the consideration of several factors.
Relationship Between the Parties
The level of contention between the parties can drastically affect the complexity and cost of divorce. Parties who have dealt with adultery, financial deceit, and other serious issues could encounter more problems while divorcing. In some cases, one party will use various tactics to purposely harm the other party by driving up the cost of the divorce.
An experienced attorney can take steps to mitigate the impact of a vindictive spouse. However, when significant assets are involved, dealing with a contentious relationship between spouses will often limit your options and increase the likelihood of litigation.
Net Worth and Assets
High net-worth individuals are those who own liquid assets valued at $1 million, ranging to upwards of $30 million. Given their significant assets, these individuals often require additional services during divorce proceedings.
Similarly, those who own real estate or other high-value items could find themselves in a precarious position when divorcing. While these items can be used as a bargaining tool, they can also be used as a threat.
The bottom line is that high-net-worth couples have more to divide up and argue over, so these divorces often take longer than lower-net-worth divorces. As a corollary, high-net-worth divorces are also much more costly due to the time required to deal effectively with the various complexities that arise.
Business Relationship Between the Parties
Similar to high-net-worth divorces, couples that own businesses together might need to undergo additional steps before the divorce is final.
The parties might require a business valuation, or they might have to go through a similar process of liquidating assets and splitting the profits. Experienced attorneys can advise clients on the best way to approach business ownership and divorce.
Children and Dependents
Dependency, child custody, and support matters tend to raise the cost and length of divorce in Connecticut. Children create additional issues that require serious thought and consideration. Some of these considerations include the present-day cost of raising the children, as well as any anticipated additional future costs that may arise.
Types of Divorce
The cost of a divorce often correlates with the type of divorce a couple is seeking.
Generally, the types of divorce in Connecticut include:
- Do-it-Yourself,
- Online Divorce,
- Litigation,
- Mediation, and
- Collaborative Divorce.
Some types of divorce cost more than others. For example, divorce mediation in Connecticut can cost significantly less than any alternative involving litigation. On the other end of the spectrum, high-net-worth clients should expect to pay significantly more for a divorce attorney’s services.
Are You Anticipating a High-Net-Worth Divorce in Connecticut?
How much does a divorce cost in CT? As we’ve seen, there are many factors that go into the final cost of your divorce.
At StangerLaw LLC, we have more than 45 years of hands-on experience representing clients through divorce proceedings. We also offer consultations to all prospective clients, during which we can answer your questions and explain the process in clear, understandable terms.
To learn more and to schedule a consultation today, call (860) 561-0651. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.
