MONEY

In Missouri, divorce lawyers are hourly workers. They get paid for their labor like any other hourly worker. They can not take a part of what they get for you. To do so is against public policy.

In the Kansas City area expect that you will be charged between $175 to $250 per hour.

How many hours will be needed?
In my opinion it takes between 10 and 15 hours of work to collect enough information to be able to confidently prepare a settlement, or to be sure that the matter will require additional discovery and depositions. The number of hours is directly proportional to how co-operative your spouse is being in the discovery process.

Many times your lawyer will get so emotionally involved in your case that they begin to lend you money in the form of hours that you can not immediately pay off. Allowing this to happen can create a feeling that you are taking advantage of your lawyer’s good will and trust. Do not allow this to happen.

You have a better idea whether your spouse will be easy to work with or not. Have a plan on how to pay your attorney past the initial retainer. This includes hiring expert witnesses and paying court reporters for depositions. Do not be a bad boss to your lawyer.