Attorney Fees

Attorney fees are governed by the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys. A lawyer may not enter into an agreement for, charge, or collect a contingent fee (a fee based on a percentage of the monetary award the client is awarded) in a divorce case.

Your attorney will quote an hourly rate. You will be charged at the quoted rate for consultations, correspondence (including e-mails), phone calls, office and research work, court time, filing and hearings. Attorneys, paralegals, and legal secretaries will work on your case. Your primary attorney will oversee all work done on your case.

You are responsible for court costs, filing fees, fees for service of pleadings, appraisals, expert witness fees, etc. Your attorney will sometimes pay such expenses and seek reimbursement from you.

If your spouse is ordered to contribute to your attorney fees, you will be given credit for the amount your spouse pays.

Please note: It is impossible to speculate about the total fee for your divorce case.