How Much Does Family Lawyer Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Family Lawyer Include?
Family lawyers handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and other family-related legal matters. Most charge by the hour with a retainer upfront.
The national average cost for family lawyer is $300 per hour. Most homeowners pay between $200 and $500, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Hourly Rate
Small city: $150-$250/hr. Mid-size city: $200-$350/hr. Major metro: $300-$500+/hr
Retainer
Most family lawyers require a $2,500-$10,000 retainer upfront
Case Type
Simple custody agreement: $2,000-$5,000. Contested custody battle: $10,000-$50,000+
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Type of case
- ✓Complexity
- ✓Attorney experience
- ✓Geographic location
- ✓Hourly vs flat fee
- ✓Retainer amount
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Ask about flat fees for specific services like uncontested divorce
- 2.Mediation is often cheaper than litigation
- 3.Prepare documents and information before meetings to reduce billable hours
- 4.Consider unbundled legal services where the attorney handles only specific tasks
Family Lawyer Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $164 | $246 | $410 |
| Alaska | $256 | $384 | $640 |
| Arizona | $190 | $285 | $475 |
| Arkansas | $160 | $240 | $400 |
| California | $270 | $405 | $675 |
| Colorado | $216 | $324 | $540 |
| Connecticut | $244 | $366 | $610 |
| Delaware | $210 | $315 | $525 |
| Florida | $196 | $294 | $490 |
| Georgia | $180 | $270 | $450 |
| Hawaii | $284 | $426 | $710 |
| Idaho | $184 | $276 | $460 |
| Illinois | $210 | $315 | $525 |
| Indiana | $176 | $264 | $440 |
| Iowa | $172 | $258 | $430 |
| Kansas | $170 | $255 | $425 |
| Kentucky | $168 | $252 | $420 |
| Louisiana | $174 | $261 | $435 |
| Maine | $204 | $306 | $510 |
| Maryland | $230 | $345 | $575 |
| Massachusetts | $260 | $390 | $650 |
| Michigan | $184 | $276 | $460 |
| Minnesota | $204 | $306 | $510 |
| Mississippi | $156 | $234 | $390 |
| Missouri | $174 | $261 | $435 |
| Montana | $190 | $285 | $475 |
| Nebraska | $176 | $264 | $440 |
| Nevada | $204 | $306 | $510 |
| New Hampshire | $224 | $336 | $560 |
| New Jersey | $250 | $375 | $625 |
| New Mexico | $180 | $270 | $450 |
| New York | $264 | $396 | $660 |
| North Carolina | $180 | $270 | $450 |
| North Dakota | $180 | $270 | $450 |
| Ohio | $180 | $270 | $450 |
| Oklahoma | $166 | $249 | $415 |
| Oregon | $220 | $330 | $550 |
| Pennsylvania | $204 | $306 | $510 |
| Rhode Island | $230 | $345 | $575 |
| South Carolina | $174 | $261 | $435 |
| South Dakota | $170 | $255 | $425 |
| Tennessee | $172 | $258 | $430 |
| Texas | $186 | $279 | $465 |
| Utah | $190 | $285 | $475 |
| Vermont | $216 | $324 | $540 |
| Virginia | $210 | $315 | $525 |
| Washington | $230 | $345 | $575 |
| West Virginia | $160 | $240 | $400 |
| Wisconsin | $188 | $282 | $470 |
| Wyoming | $184 | $276 | $460 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a retainer mean?
A retainer is an upfront deposit the attorney draws from as they work. You're billed against this amount at the hourly rate. If it's depleted, you may need to replenish it.