If you’re facing a divorce—or you need legal help with another family law matter like adoption, child support, or child custody—you might be wondering what it would cost to hire a lawyer.
Most family law attorneys bill by the hour. Average hourly rates are based on many factors, including location and the individual attorney’s level of expertise and experience.
Lawyers’ Hourly Fees for Divorce and Family Law
Family lawyers almost always bill by the hour, usually in increments of six minutes (one-tenth of an hour). Individual attorneys may vary the rates they charge depending on the complexity of the case and the type of services being provided. For example, some divorce lawyers charge a higher hourly rate for their trial work (including preparing for trial) than for more routine work like negotiating a divorce settlement.
In 2019, we analyzed data reported by thousands of attorneys across the United States who focus their practice on divorce and family law. Each of the lawyers in our study reported the minimum and maximum hourly rates they charge. Across the nation, the average minimum was $255, while the average maximum was $310.
Average hourly rates are likely to be higher now. According to Clio, a legal technology company, the national average hourly rate for a family law attorney in 2023 was $312.
Of course, those are simply averages across the United States. There are several reasons you may be quoted fees outside of that range, including the following:
- Location. Not surprisingly, lawyers who work in major metropolitan areas tend to charge higher fees than their counterparts in smaller cities or towns. If you live in a big city, especially on one of the coasts, you can expect to encounter fees close to $500 per hour for experienced family lawyers. In our study, the average minimum and maximum hourly rates reported by attorneys in the greater Los Angeles metro area were $315 and $395. Hourly rates also vary from state to state. For example, the average minimum and maximum rates reported in Utah were $195 and $230, while the comparable figures in New York State were $305 and $380. By 2023, Clio reports average rates had risen to $293 in Utah and $387 in New York State. (Hover the cursor over the map below to find other examples of hourly rates around the country.)
- Years of experience. As you might expect, our study also showed that attorneys tend to raise their hourly rates as they gain more experience in family law. Average minimum and maximum rates rose from $255 and $265 for attorneys with 10 or fewer years in practice to $295 and $355 for those with at least 30 years in practice. It’s worth pointing out, however, that someone with several years of practice dedicated to family law can often handle difficult issues or answer your questions in less time than a less-experienced lawyer might take.
Do Family Lawyers Give Free Consultations?
Given the cost of hiring a family lawyer, it’s important to find a family lawyer who’s a good fit for your situation and is qualified to handle your divorce, custody fight, or other family law issue. Some lawyers charge for a first meeting—but not all of them. In our 2019 study, just over half (51%) of family law attorneys across the country said they offer free consultations for potential clients. And nearly all of those lawyers (89%) reported that these meetings can last 30 minutes or longer.
Here again, however, there are regional differences. Lawyers in different states and metropolitan areas report varying policies on charging for initial meetings. For instance, 63% of family lawyers in Minnesota said they offered at least 30 minutes of free consultation, while the comparable figure in North Carolina was only 11%. (See the map above for more examples of attorneys' policies on free consultation around the country.)
So when you’re reaching out to lawyers you might hire, ask whether they offer free consultations. Even if you have to pay for a first meeting, however, it may still be worth it to hear what the attorney has to say about your situation and get a feel for whether you’ll be comfortable working with that lawyer.
