People usually ask this question first and quietly, as if it is rude. It isn’t. You should know what a divorce will cost before you start one.
We are not going to put a single number here, because a number without your facts would be misleading. What we can do is explain how the fee is built up, so that any quote you get, from us or anyone else, makes sense.
Mutual divorce costs far less than contested
This is the biggest factor by a long way.
| Mutual consent | Contested | |
|---|---|---|
| Hearings | A few: first motion, second motion, perhaps a waiver application | Many, over months or years |
| Evidence and cross-examination | None | Yes, for both sides |
| Mediation | Sometimes, briefly | Almost always |
| Connected cases | Usually withdrawn as part of the settlement | Often several running at once |
| How fees are usually quoted | One fixed fee for the whole case | Per stage, or per hearing |
A contested divorce that runs alongside a maintenance case, a domestic violence case and a police complaint is really four cases. Each one has its own hearings and its own fee.
How lawyers in Bangalore usually charge
- Consultation fee for the first meeting, sometimes adjusted against the case fee if you go ahead
- Fixed fee for a mutual divorce, covering drafting, filing and appearances on the motion dates
- Stage-wise fee for a contested case: drafting and filing, then evidence, then arguments
- Per-hearing fee (appearance fee), common in long contested matters
- Separate fees for connected matters such as maintenance, custody, DV cases, appeals or High Court petitions
Senior advocates and High Court work cost more. Simpler matters in a family court close to home cost less.
Costs on top of the lawyer’s fee
- Court fee on the petition, which is small in family courts
- Notary and typing charges, affidavits and certified copies
- Mediation, which is usually free at the court’s mediation centre
- Travel and time off work for each hearing, which people forget to count
What makes a divorce more expensive
- the two of you have not agreed on alimony or custody
- there are several connected cases, especially criminal complaints
- one side keeps seeking adjournments
- property, business interests or a jointly owned flat have to be divided
- one spouse lives abroad and service of papers takes time
- the case goes on appeal to the High Court
The cheapest divorce is almost always one where the settlement is worked out properly before filing. Spending a little more time and money on the settlement often saves a great deal later. Our article on the mutual divorce timeline explains why.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is the fee fixed for the whole case, or per stage or per hearing?
- What exactly does it cover, and what will be charged separately?
- Who will actually appear in court on my dates?
- Are court fees, notary charges and copies included?
- What happens to the fee if we settle halfway?
A lawyer who can’t answer these clearly before you start will be harder to deal with later. At JustJuris, we give you the fee and its scope in writing after the first meeting.
Questions people ask
How much does a mutual divorce cost in Bangalore?
Much less than a contested divorce, because there are only a few hearings and no trial. The total depends on the advocate’s fee, court fee and small expenses. Ask for a fixed written fee for the whole case.
Why do contested divorce fees vary so much?
Because the length of the case varies so much. A contested case may settle in mediation in a few months or run for years with connected cases. Fees track that work.
Is the first consultation free?
It depends on the lawyer. Ask when you call. Some adjust the consultation fee against the case fee if you go ahead.
Talk to us about your matter
Call or WhatsApp to fix a time. Bring your papers to the office in Rajarajeshwari Nagar.
This article is general information about the law as it stood when it was written. Your facts change the answer. Speak to an advocate before you act on it.