$500 for a simple, uncontested divorce if there are no children of this marriage and no real estate and no valuable assets. Most people with this type of divorce have household furnishings, cars, bank accounts, and few debts. In addition, court and filing fees will apply. Bring information on birth dates, social security numbers, addresses, and date of marriage. Other filing fees and court fees will apply.

$700 for a simple uncontested divorce involving children. We will discuss custody, visitation, child support, and health and life insurance. Bring income information and child care and insurance costs. If you have real property, we will discuss some ideas about keeping, selling, or dividing it, as well as who will pay the payments, taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Dividing a pension may carry an extra charge. Other filing fees and court fees will apply.

$900 for a simple uncontested case with children and a home.

COMPLICATED CASES
If you have more then one piece of real estate, a retirement to divide, and more complex issues regarding debt and assets, I will explain your rights to you and will discuss costs when you come in for your first appointment. Since each case is slightly different, I will explain your costs when you come in and at that time, you can make your decision. If you don't want to go forward, you will owe nothing for the interview.

CONTESTED CASES
Normally, the fee for a contested case is $500 plus $270/hour, with each billing statement paid in full upon receipt of billing statement. In a contested case, the client normally has already been served with divorce papers by the other party and seeks my help with responding to the petition that was filed. Each case is unique, and you can discuss that matter with me before making a decision.

PROCEDURES
In an uncontested case, a week after your first visit, your petition will be ready to sign. At this time, you would usually pay the filing fee in Marion County. The cost to have a private company or sheriff serve papers is $45-$75, but it is free if you and your spouse come in to get their papers or if you have a friend serve your spouse. 90 days after the papers have been served, if the case is still uncontested, you return to the office to sign an affidavit and I send it to the court with your final judgment granting divorce. You will be unmarried on the day that the judge signs the divorce.