How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Florida?

Family law cases are never easy. When approaching a divorce, child custody dispute, or other family law matter, you may have a lot weighing on your mind. Concerns about the feelings of those involved, negotiating a favorable outcome, and the effects of the case on your children may all occupy your thoughts. One important question you may consider is, “How much does a family lawyer cost in Florida?”

Benzion Law: Skilled Family Lawyer in Southern Florida

Benzion Law has assisted families throughout our South Florida community for years. From Broward County to West Palm Beach, we’ve achieved results for people up and down the coast. Our firm handles a wide range of family law matters, including child custody, divorce, alimony, child support, and paternity cases. Matthew A. Benzion, the managing partner at Benzion Law, graduated with honors from Nova Southeastern University’s law school and has been a senior associate for two other law firms in the area. We work tirelessly to obtain the results our clients deserve.

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Florida?

The cost of legal representation can vary not only between law firms but also from case to case. There are a variety of factors that can affect legal fees. Here are some of the key elements that may affect the price point on your final bill.

• Experience: A more experienced, talented family attorney will cost more than someone who has recently graduated from law school. With a higher payment, you could benefit from more well-tested strategies that can make a major difference in your results. However, that is not always the case. A newer attorney may represent you just as well as an attorney who is well-renowned.
• Location: Lawyers operating out of more affluent parts of South Florida will often charge more than those in lower-income neighborhoods. The combination of competition, price, real estate, and level of service can all contribute to a larger invoice. A firm focused on clients of Parkland, with a median household income of $200,156, may be spendier than one targeting residents of Lauderdale Lakes, with a median household income of $44,333.
• Complexity: This can often be the most important factor when it comes to the cost of family lawyers. If it’s a simple, amicable divorce with plenty of collaboration, it will likely be on the cheaper end. If it’s a marriage with kids, a high-value estate, and bitter feelings between the former spouses, it could be more expensive. The hours and manpower needed for your situation will be a major deciding point for the number on your bill.
• Type of fee: How much you will pay can also differ depending on the way you are charged. Hourly rates are the most common fee model for family lawyers, but not the only one.The retainer fee model would mean you pay an upfront amount before the case begins. Once it starts, the family lawyer will pull from that payment on an hourly basis, essentially a way to set aside a chunk of money for legal fees. There are also flat fees, meaning a lawyer may charge clients depending on the type of case rather than the amount of work put in. This model is rarer for family law cases, but not unheard of.

Hire a Family Lawyer

It is possible to work on your legal case by yourself, but it’s not recommended. The nature of family law means that, more likely than not, you will have a strong, emotional tie to the outcome. This can lead to clouded judgment. Hire a family lawyer so that a professional can provide an experienced, outside perspective.

Someone who’s worked on similar cases before can help you avoid potential errors. Having an attorney on your side can make a difference in the outcome, length, and overall quality of your family law case.

FAQs

Q: How Much Will Your Florida Divorce Cost?

A: The cost of a divorce in Broward County and all of South Florida can vary greatly. How much you and your former spouse get along, what shared assets you have, and whether or not you have children will all affect the final fees. You can ask your lawyer during the initial consultation about how much they think your specific divorce will cost.

Q: Do Family Lawyers Do Payment Plans?

A: Many family lawyers allow for payment plans to be set up. The details of the case are a contributing factor, as well as the firm itself. The schedule and size of the payments can revolve around your income. Speak with your family lawyer to learn if this is possible and what payment plans will work for both you and the firm.

Q: Who Pays Attorney Fees in Child Custody Cases in Florida?

A: Typically, each party will pay their own legal fees when it comes to child custody cases. However, Florida Statutes Section 61.16 allows a judge to force one parent to pay the partial or complete legal fees of the other. They may do this if there is a large gap in income between parents or in their ability to pay, as well as if one party has been acting in bad faith toward the other.

Q: Can You Get Refunded for Unused Family Lawyer Retainer Fee Hours in Florida?

A: In Florida, if the workload of your family law case does not use up the retainer fee, the unused amount may be refunded. Whether or not this is an option will be included in the fee agreement that you read before retaining your lawyer. You may check your fee agreement to find out if this is applicable to your family law case.

Speak With a South Florida Family Lawyer From Benzion Law Today

Benzion Law wants to assist with your legal matters. We have years of experience helping Southern Florida families through troubling legal situations. Contact us today for your initial consultation so we can learn your story and give you a specific price point. You may also visit our Boca Raton offices, located on Northwest 2nd Avenue and just a five-minute drive from both the Boca Raton Airport and Florida Atlantic University.