How Much Do Divorce Papers Cost?

Online Legal Document Providers

• Online legal document providers are a quick, cheap and easy way to obtain the necessary materials for a divorce. The company sends you a professional packet with all the forms you need. As of January 2011, the prices for packages range from about about $100 to $300. Using this option makes sense when there are few assets to split due to a relatively cursory divorce process.
  
  

Online Document Checklist

• The online package should have several important documents to be complete. These include a petition, complaint, summons, decree and request of judgment for both spouses. There may also be a parenting plan and instructions on completing all the documents. The marriage settlement is the official separation document. There are also state-specific forms.
  
  

Contested Divorce

• A contested divorce can require significantly more money to complete. Generally, contested divorces are charged by the lawyer's time. Lawyers can charge hundreds of dollars an hour and spend dozens or hundreds of hours on your case. Obviously, these charges can add up quickly.
  
  

Divorce Settlements

• Divorce settlements for contested divorces with a lot of assets at stake can take an extended period of time and cost the breadwinner a tremendous amount, based on the laws of the state. In these scenarios, it may make sense to hire a lawyer to protect the large amount of assets you have. In Illinois, all property acquired during the marriage will be divided in "just proportions" according to the judge's decree. Judges also have the right to order alimony and child support payments.