One source estimates that a two-day divorce trial with "the most basic expert testimony" can easily cost more than a $70,000. This includes the initial meeting, discovery, trial preparation, pretrial motions, court time, expert fees (custody expert, actuary, vocation expert) and court reporter.

Going into litigation, a lawyer can at best provide only an educated guess as to the cost. But it is not unreasonable that a two-day trial may entail 100 hours of legal preparation at his hourly rate.

It is not surprising then that an estimated 90 per cent of the court cases settle before the trial begins. Very often this means preparing for trial even as the spouses continue to negotiate via written settlement offers and perhaps settlement conferences. All of this adds an intangible cost to litigation -- stress.

Even a one-day trial with no expert witnesses can cost tens of thousands.

Litigation is the most expensive way to end a marriage.

See also Trial.

Don't Forget to Visit Our Online Support Community

Your Suggestion

1. Choosing Litigation
   The late Learned Hand, a respected federal appeals court judge, said that after death, serious illness or injury, the thing he would most dread in life is being party to litigation.
   Contributed on 7/6/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff

   Category: Court Proceedings  (Applicable in All States)

Contribute Tip/Fact