Latest / BSPE Legal Marketing Podcast / How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Illinois? - Russell D. Knight

Transcript

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Illinois? - Russell D. Knight · BSPE Legal Marketing Podcast

• 0:00
  How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Illinois?
• 0:02
  After the emotional weight of a divorce sets in, the next question that keeps people up at night is almost always about money and what this process is going to cost them.
• 0:11
  The honest answer that most divorce lawyers will give you is that it depends, but understanding exactly what it depends on can help you prepare far more effectively.
• 0:20
  Narrator: Every attorney starts by giving you two numbers: their hourly rate and the retainer amount required to begin working on your case.
• 0:26
  Narrator: A retainer is an advance deposit that gets placed into a supervised trust account, used to cover court fees, attorney fees, and other expenses as they arise throughout the case.
• 0:36
  Narrator: At the Law Office of Russell D. Knight, a true uncontested divorce with no assets and no children can be completed for $1,500, which includes the $602 court filing fee for both parties.
• 0:49
  Narrator: For contested divorces of any kind, the retainer rises to $3,000, a figure chosen because it sets clear expectations for both the client and the legal team from the very beginning.
• 0:59
  Narrator: Unlike some firms, this law firm does not require an evergreen retainer, meaning clients are not asked to keep replenishing the trust account once the initial deposit is exhausted.
• 1:09
  Narrator: Once the retainer runs out, invoices reflect the outstanding balance, and payment plans are often arranged based on what the client can realistically afford at that stage.
• 1:18
  Narrator: The hourly rate structure at this office is designed to keep costs fair, with the lead attorney billing at $385 per hour, co-counsel at $300 per hour, and paralegals handling simpler tasks at just $125 per hour.
• 1:33
  Narrator: About 75% of Illinois divorce work is relatively straightforward and can be handled competently by paralegals under attorney supervision, which meaningfully reduces the total cost for clients.
• 1:44
  Narrator: The remaining 25% requires deeper legal strategy, knowledge of case law, and an understanding of the judge and opposing counsel, which is where the attorney steps in directly.
• 1:54
  Narrator: One sign of unreasonable billing is vague descriptions on invoices, and a trustworthy lawyer will always detail exactly what work was performed and why it was necessary.
• 2:04
  Narrator: If a client falls behind on payments without arranging a plan, the attorney may withdraw from the case, which forces the client to find new representation and pay a new retainer.
• 2:13
  Narrator: It is also possible for a judge to order a spouse to contribute to the other party's attorneys' fees, and assets like the family home can sometimes be used to cover outstanding legal costs.
• 2:23
  Narrator: At the close of every Illinois divorce, attorneys' fees must be formally apportioned between the two parties, and attorneys retain the right to pursue collection within the same divorce court if necessary.
• 2:33
  Narrator: Call the Law Office of Russell D. Knight at 773, 334, 6311, located at 1165 N Clark St #700, Chicago, IL 60610, United States, to schedule a consultation and get a clear picture of what your Illinois divorce may cost.