HOW MUCH DOES A
DIVORCE COST IN KANSAS?
According to the latest statistics in 2018, there are 2.3 divorces per one thousand inhabitants in Kansas, down from 5 divorces per thousand in 1990. Additionally, according to a 2014-2018 Community Survey, the overall divorce rate in Kansas is six percent compared to the national average of 10.9 percent. In Overland Park specifically, the rate is closer to three percent, and in Shawnee and Olathe it is four percent.
Regardless of what the numbers tell you, going through a divorce can be an emotionally and financially taxing experience for both partners. If you’re currently contemplating divorce, or have already begun the process, you may have a long list of questions about the process. What will a divorce cost in real dollars from initiation to closure? What is the best way to proceed?
If you live in or around Johnson County, Kansas, the Jeffers Law Office is here to help you resolve your differences and work toward an amicable divorce that is aimed at being less costly than the alternative — taking your spouse to court. With over four decades of divorce and family law experience, attorney Mark Jeffers can provide personalized, dedicated service to anyone facing a complicated divorce. Attorney Jeffers will strive to work with you to arrive at the best possible resolution so that you can move forward as quickly and peacefully as possible.
TYPES OF DIVORCES IN KANSAS
Kansas is considered a no-fault divorce state, so if either spouse claims incompatibility with no hope for reconciliation, the court must grant a divorce. The other grounds for divorce recognized in Kansas are "failure to perform a material marital duty" and "incompatibility by reason of mental illness of one or both spouses", but these grounds are very rarely used.
Obviously, a fault-based divorce can be more time-consuming and complicated — and thus, generally more costly as well. Fault divorces are much more difficult to process since the grounds will likely be contested; i.e., the two spouses are basically squaring off in and out of court. A no-fault divorce offers more opportunities for collaboration and a joint agreement. This can not only save time, but money and emotional suffering as well.
FACTORS INFLUENCING
THE COST OF DIVORCE
When it comes down to the finer details of what a divorce in Kansas might cost, there are several factors to consider. These factors include, but are not limited to, the nature and extent of the property and debts of the parties, whether a spouse is requesting spousal support/maintenance/alimony from the other, and whether or not the parties have minor children.
If both spouses hire an attorney, that can raise costs quickly. However, while no one is required to have legal counsel and parties are allowed to represent themselves if they so choose, no attorney may represent both parties. Also, if either or both partners seek counseling or other professional help outside of a family law attorney, those costs should be factored in as well.
There are also a number of post-divorce costs that should be taken into consideration as well. One partner may face child support payments, or even spousal support (alimony), depending on the financial status of the other partner. Tax issues will almost invariably occur as well. Suddenly filing as a single person instead of a married couple might increase the tax liability of one or both partners.
The filing fee to initiate a divorce proceeding in Kansas is approximately $200. There is an additional fee for serving papers on the other spouse if they choose not to cooperate. A family law attorney will often charge anywhere from $300 to $400 an hour depending on the attorney. If you hire a mediator to work out matters between the two of you, that is an additional expense.
At the end of the day, the one conclusion that you can draw is that divorce costs can add up pretty quickly — especially if you’re working with an attorney who intends to nickel and dime you for every last service performed.
HOW TO PURSUE A
COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE
An amicable divorce proceeding, in which both partners choose to decide matters outside of court, can save an abundance of both time and money, however, it can be a tricky process if attempted without professional help.
An amicable divorce can help you avoid lengthy court hearings and any lengthy negotiation battles. If the couple can work out the details of their divorce on their own and submit a plan to the court for approval, that is often the most effective route — both in terms of money and the future well-being of each partner. So how can you achieve this?
HIRE AN EXPERIENCED
KANSAS FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
Attorney Mark Jeffers strongly believes in the effectiveness of an amicable divorce process. After spending years helping clients arrive at an amicable divorce agreement, attorney Mark Jeffers is committed to helping you reach a resolution that can be presented to a judge for approval so that you can avoid any lengthy court proceedings and begin to move forward with your life.
Mark will provide personalized representation to help you resolve:
Issues of property and debt
Obligations for child support and spousal support
Child custody agreements and parenting time (visitation)
Restoration of a maiden name
However, if matters require a more aggressive legal strategy, attorney Mark Jeffers has the knowledge and trial experience needed to help you navigate the complexities of your case inside and outside of the courtroom.
So if you or someone you know is considering divorce and lives in Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Leawood, Prairie Village, or anywhere throughout Johnson County, Wyandotte County, Miami County, or Leavenworth County, contact Jeffers Law Office today for a free initial phone consultation. Attorney Mark Jeffers will be happy to discuss the details of your situation and outline a plan for how he can help you move forward.