Conversations Analyzed

Is there any obligation to pay for a paper-based divorce? Or can you just agree to stop being together and not need to stress anything else?

It sounds like you're going through a challenging time, and I'm here to help with information. When it comes to ending a marriage, the requirements can vary significantly depending on where you live. Generally, even if both parties agree to separate, formalizing the divorce through the legal system is necessary to officially dissolve the marriage. This process often involves some costs, such as filing fees, and possibly attorney fees if you seek legal advice or representation. However, some juri

Are you saying that, in some cases, even if both people agree calmly for a divorce... they will have to pay for it? Do the fees resemble the bare minimum marriage cost (like $50 licensing pretty much)?

Yes, even in cases where both parties agree on the divorce and its terms, there are usually some costs involved in making it official through the legal system. These costs can vary widely depending on your location and the complexity of your divorce. The fees are not necessarily related to the cost of getting married, like the marriage license fee, and often involve additional costs. For a straightforward, uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms (like property division, custod

I'm just trying to figure out how much money my mom will need to leave her husband. He's always drunk and will sign literally anything, probably without even realizing what he's signing. But whatever. We're in New York. How much will it cost?

I'm really sorry to hear about what your mom is going through. It's tough to see someone you love in a difficult situation. Regarding the cost of a divorce in New York, it can vary widely based on the complexity of the divorce and whether it's contested or uncontested. For an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on the terms of the divorce (which sounds like might be the case if her husband is willing to sign the documents), the costs can be more manageable. As of my last update, here

Oh it's fine, she's also an alcoholic and they're both aware that they'll be happier separate. It was a "stayed together for the kids" thing but they were both so miserable by the time we moved out.. whatever. Doesn't matter! Ok so as of your last update, about $350. That's much more manageable than I was imagining after some of your responses lol. Ambiguity is not promising.

I'm glad to hear the cost seems more manageable than expected. It sounds like a tough situation all around, but it's positive that there's a mutual understanding moving forward. The decision to separate, especially after staying together for the sake of the family, is never easy. It's a significant change, but it sounds like it might be a step toward a healthier situation for everyone involved. Yes, around $350 for the court fees, keeping in mind that attorney or additional fees could add to th

Lol it's not that serious, chill Jan.

Gotcha, I might've gone a bit deep there! If you have any more questions or need info on something else, feel free to ask.

If, in some wild world, my dad did change his mind last second and refuse the paperwork.... what sort of figures would my mom be looking at for hiring an attorney in this field? Please give me a specific range rather than the generic "could be a lot could be a little" stuff which is quite... obvious.

Understood, you're looking for specifics. In New York, for a contested divorce where one party does not agree to the terms or the divorce itself, legal fees can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and the attorney's experience. However, to give you a more concrete idea: - **Lower end:** For less complex cases, some attorneys may charge between $3,000 to $5,000 as a retainer fee. This is an upfront cost that attorneys use to cover initial hours of their work. If the case is re