Tips for Saving Money on a Divorce Lawyer

August 1, 2025

Tips for Saving Money on a Divorce Attorney

Many people hire a lawyer at the beginning of their divorce case but run out of money halfway through when they need a lawyer the most. But, if you follow a few tips, you can prevent this from happening to you.


Tip #1: Talk to your lawyer about your budget


If you have a limited budget, have an honest conversation with your lawyer. Ask your lawyer if:

  • Your budget is realistic, and how far it will take you.
  • They have suggestions for how you can save money or stretch your budget.
  • There are things you can do yourself instead of paying your attorney to do them for you.


Tip #2: Understand what your lawyer will bill you for


Your lawyer will bill you for everything they do in your case. They usually bill in 6-minute or 15-minute increments. Lawyers typically bill for all of these tasks: 

  • Talking on the phone with you or other people involved in your case 
  • Reading and responding to emails and text messages related to your case
  • Going to court for you 
  • Drafting legal paperwork for your case
  • Meetings with you or your spouse's attorney
  • Gathering records and other evidence for your case
  • Reviewing documents and evidence
  • All other work related to your case

You can see how legal fees can add up quickly!


Tip #3: Do some of the work yourself


It's becoming more common for divorce attorneys to offer "unbundled legal services" or "limited scope representation." This means you're hiring a lawyer to help you only with a small part of your case instead of the whole case. For example, you and your spouse could agree on the terms of your divorce and then hire a lawyer to help you draft your divorce paperwork.


Tip #4: Take advantage of free or low-cost solutions


If you need help with your divorce, hiring a lawyer isn't your only option. You can also:


Takeaways





Author: Oregon Law Help

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