The cost of a Dane County divorce is difficult to predict.   I have settled some Dane County divorce cases in four months.    I have been involved with others for over six years.  The cost ultimately depends on the difficulty of the issues, the personalities involved, and the lawyers’ working style.

I believe that the cooperation (or lack of it) between spouses is the most important factor affecting the cost.   No matter how difficult the legal problem, it can usually be resolved if the spouses are committed to cooperating.   If not, the legal cost will rise.   Because divorce and child custody issues are such personal matters, it is hard to separate “personal” from “legal” issues.   However, making decisions based on purely emotional or hurt feelings usually increases the cost.   Often, what you may gain in short-term satisfaction costs more in the long run.

Poor communication  between you and your lawyer also increases fees.  Clients and lawyers who are difficult to contact, do not return calls, or fail to provide  information block communication.   Efficiency and the work product suffer, not to mention higher costs because work is repeated.

In a Dane County divorce, you and your lawyer should routinely discuss the cost of the case.  You should both analyze the cost and benefit of various options available to the you.   An analysis of the cost is one of the ways that divorce clients keep an active role in their case and ensure a harmonious relationship with their attorney.

Finally, sometimes the other lawyer’s or spouse’s work style can affect the cost.    Most lawyers focus on resolution, and guide their clients in that direction.   However, some lawyers have gained a reputation for prolonging matters through lack of cooperation.  If your spouse retains a lawyer with that mindset, your costs will also likely increase.

The cost of a Dane County divorce can usually be kept at a reasonable level.    Please review my website at www.kowalskifamilylaw.com and future blogs to read how Kowalski, Wilson & Vang, LLC is structured to decrease unnecessary costs.