CONTESTED VS. UNCONTESTED DIVORCE, LEGAL SEPARATION, PATERNITY

Mr. Lashlee has over 30 years experience handling family law matters including divorce, dissolution of domestic partnerships, legal separation, annulments, paternity actions and related matters.
Talk to anyone who has been through a divorce, legal separation or a paternity action, and they will tell you that it can be a very expensive, time consuming and emotional experience.
Perhaps worse than the time and expense, is the animosity that may be created or exacerbated between the parties during a contested action. No one needs more tension in their life. If children are involved, it is even more important to keep the animosity level at a minimum. The best way to avoid unnecessary expense and to limit animosity is for the parties to cooperate in a "uncontested divorce."
The term "uncontested divorce" is something of a misnomer. Subject to very rare exceptions such as insanity, either spouse may request and obtain a divorce. There is no requirement to prove fault of any kind. All you need to do is meet the limited residency requirements and follow the proper procedures.  Thus, it is not the divorce that is being “contested” in a contested divorce. Instead, it is the custody and support of children and the characterization and division of property and debts that are the subject of litigation, and on occasion, epic battles. 
If  the parties are unable to agree on one or more issues relating to their relationship including custody of children, visitation, support, division of property and other matters, the action is “contested.”

FEES FOR UNCONTESTED ACTIONS:

Mr. Lashlee charges a flat fee of $2,500 for uncontested divorces.  If you believe that you and your spouse may be able to resolve the issues involved in your divorce by way of a written agreement, Mr. Lashlee will be happy to help you do so.
Some uncontested actions become contested due to the parties’ failure to agree.  Your retainer agreement with Mr. Lashlee will provide for a flat fee for an uncontested divorce and for $275 for attorney fees if the matter becomes contested.  The $275 per hour will not be charged until and unless Mr. Lashlee determines that the matter is contested and discusses the matter with the client.  If the matter becomes contested, the $275 an hour will only apply to work done after the matter becomes contested.
 

FEES FOR CONTESTED DIVORCE, LEGAL SEPARATION, ANNULMENT, DISTRICT ATTORNEY MATTERS AND PATERNITY:

Mr. Lashlee charges $275 per hour plus expenses. An advance fee of at least $2,500 is required.
The client is responsible for all expenses (costs) of the action. Initial costs include the filing fee $320 in most counties and service of process (approximately $70). In addition, there may be expenses for subpoenas, witness fees, depositions and other expenses.  Any substantial cost will be discussed with the client before it is incurred.