How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in California?

Many people could really use the legal assistance of a family lawyer, but they are unsure if they can afford one. If you have a family law matter that you need assistance with, you might be surprised to learn the answer to the pressing question, “How much does a family law attorney cost in California?”

Factors That Influence Family Law Attorney Cost

1. Location

One reason some lawyers might quote higher rates is due to their location. In areas that have a more financially sound demographic and a higher cost of living, the cost of everything is going to be inflated. This is also true of legal services.

When the cost of living is high in a city, that inflation is reflected in the cost of legal services. As a result, cities with a high cost of living also have a high average household income. Thus, divorce cases here are high-asset cases.

When an attorney sets their rate, they often align with the rates of colleagues located in their area in an effort to stay competitive. Based on comparable levels of experience and how many local attorneys work in the same field, law firms may adjust their rates accordingly.

2. Experience

Some attorneys may have higher rates than other attorneys within the same area if the firm has more experience or more attorneys, who can collectively bring more years of experience to the table. An attorney’s number of successful family law cases can also contribute to an increase in rates, as can additional education, certifications, or awards.

3. Type of Rates

The type of rates that a California family lawyer charges could affect the affordability of hiring a family law attorney. One law firm may charge by the hour, while another may charge by the service, which is oftentimes a more affordable way to receive legal assistance.

A per-service fee table allows clients to pay only for the services they need. Clients may only hire a family law attorney because they need a child custody modification order, and some lawyers may provide this service for a flat fee rather than requiring a per-hour fee or a significant upfront retainer.

Some lawyers require an initial retainer, which is like a deposit for legal services. When this amount is depleted by legal services rendered, the attorney may require additional funds to continue working on a case.

When family law cases get increasingly complex and involve valuations of large assets, or when there is a question regarding the ability of a parent to provide for a child in their custody, costs can go up significantly. This is due to the fact that third-party professional talents and testimonies are often needed in these cases, such as forensic accountants or child psychologists.

Should You Hire a Family Law Attorney?

Yes. It is important to protect your rights and those of your children. It’s worth the cost to ensure that someone who knows California family laws is on your side. If the other side has legal counsel, you stand a much better chance of securing a fair outcome when you have a qualified attorney representing you. Even if you cannot afford the most expensive lawyer, going to court alone can have irreversible consequences.

Not All Family Law Attorneys Cost the Same

If you have ever inquired about the cost to hire a family law attorney and decided it was out of your price range, you might want to shop around. There are many factors that can impact the cost of a lawyer, and the cost of a local California family lawyer can be completely different from the cost of another.

There are over 16,000 active lawyers in the greater San Diego area. While not all of them are family lawyers, there is a big enough pool to find one that is within your budget.

Why Choose Us?

Erica Bloom Law strives to offer affordable family law legal services to clients in the greater San Diego area. Our compassionate legal team will take the time to understand the needs of your family and apply the appropriate California family laws to your case. If you’re looking for a family lawyer, you won’t regret hiring us.

FAQs About Family Law Attorney

How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in California?

The cost of a family law attorney in California is determined by a number of variables. These include the area or region of the practicing attorney, the experience level of the attorney, and the success rate of past cases. The complexity of a case can also impact the cost of a family law lawyer, as can the type of rate a law firm uses for fees, such as per hour, per service, etc.

What Are Reasonable Attorney’s Fees?

Reasonable attorney fees are based on local norms for comparable services. Legal fees should directly correlate with the complexity of the case and the amount of work the case requires. The experience level of the attorney and the success rate of the firm should be reflected in the fees an attorney charges.

How Much Does a Father’s Rights Lawyer Cost?

A family law attorney can advocate for a father’s rights. The cost of this depends on a few different variables. First, the complexity of the case can play a role in determining the cost for an attorney to defend a father’s rights. If the case goes to trial, which it may need to, the father will need help to prove that he is a competent parent.

Who Pays Attorney Fees in Child Custody Cases in California?

In most cases, each parent pays their own attorney fees. However, in some cases, the court may require that one parent pay all of the legal fees for both sides of the case. This may occur if one parent makes significantly more money than the other parent. It is up to the discretion of the judge if this is a requirement and thus, would be a court order.

A Caring Family Law Attorney

If you need a family lawyer in California and, more specifically, the greater San Diego area, Erica Bloom Law would like to discuss your case. Contact us and schedule an appointment to meet our impressive legal team.