1. Divorce falls into two categories, they are:
Uncontested: This is where you are your spouse have agreed to everything and the both of you will sign all the documents to resolve this matter; and
Contested: This is where you and your spouse are arguing over one or more "issues" (such as custody, support, furniture and so forth) and cannot resolve them. In this situation you will probable have a trial and a Judge will tell you how those issues are resolved. You are stuck with the Judges decision, unless you appeal.
2. Regardless of the type of divorce, you may still be required to complete a few items, such as:
If you have children of this marriage you must take a "Seminar for Divorcing Parents". This is offered through the County and the pamphlets will be sent to you upon filing of the divorce. There is a fee charged (generally less than $50.00) which you must pay to the Court.
You will also be responsible for "Costs". Examples of these expenses are filing fees, sheriff service fees, mileage, photocopying, deposition charges and so forth. Basic fees will be listed in each type of divorce.
An Uncontested Divorce is where both you and your spouse agree to everything. You don't want to fight it out, you just want to resolve the situation and move on in your life.
If you and your spouse agree to ALL the terms of the divorce and you both sign the papers saying you agree to the divorce; or your spouse vanishes and you really don't know where he or she is, then you can proceed with an Uncontested Divorce
The price for an Uncontested Divorce varies, depending on the circumstances. Basically, Mr. Casey's fee is $750.00*, plus Costs.
Please check to see if you are covered under a Legal Insurance Plan. If you are, then Mr. Casey's fee may be paid in part or all for you.
A Contested Divorce is quite an ordeal. It requires a lot of your time, effort, money and emotion. To get the actual termination of the marriage is easy, it's dividing up the property and support issues are what causes the most problems.
To begin with, you will need to prepare a "Financial Affidavit", compile and complete "Interrogatories" (written questions), "Request for Production of Documents" (items which you must produce copies of) and possibly a deposition (questions out of Court, but in front of a court reporter that you swear are true). To get a jump on things, please go to the Forms Page and all the items in the Divorce Section (you will need Adobe Acrobat).
Because
a Contested Divorce is so unique and different in each and every case, Mr. Casey
can not
set a "Flat Price" for your divorce. Generally speaking, he charges
per item for each item that is required in your matter with a $1,500.00* retainer (down
payment) that is non-refundable, plus Costs.
Contested Divorces can cost as little or as much as you want to spend. The more you or your spouse want to be aggressive, argumentative, concealing, mean and/or want to "Get Even", will dictate how much your Divorce will cost. Remember, no one wins in a divorce, its a matter of cutting loses.
Billing* - Mr. Casey charges differently than most other attorneys, he charges by the item, not by the hour. This means there is a list or menu of services with a cost associated with each item. An example would be if you telephone his office and speak with his assistant it is one fee, but if you insist on speaking with Mr. Casey it is a higher fee. The list or menu is agreed upon prior to Mr. Casey being retained.
Mr. Casey also bills periodically, once a month or when the bill exceeds a certain amount (depending on circumstances) and that bill must be paid within 20 days.
Mr. Casey only represents average Georgians, not those with a lot of assets or high incomes or "Large Estates".
Please check to see if you are covered under a Legal Insurance Plan. If you are, then my fee may be paid in part or all for you.
Costs - Here is a list of Basic Costs, it could go higher depending on your particular circumstances.
Uncontested Contested
Retainer* $750.00 $1,500.00
Filing Fee 82.00 82.00
Miscellaneous 25.00 25.00
Service Fee 25.00
Total $845.00 $2,120.00
*Fees are subject to change without notice or change to this page. Fees may also vary due to the uniqueness of your matter. It is important that you speak with Mr. Casey to get an exact amount for the cost of your matter.