Divorce lawyer and typical cost

Posted by Sad (142 days ago)

What can I expect a divorce to cost if there are no children? There may be disputes about money so that is the sticking point. What is a good law firm to approach, that is reasonable on costs?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Little Carmen (142 days ago)

if no kids, no money disputes, this is what they refer to as "uncontested"...it should cost you about HKD7K?

If there are money disputes and you can see yourself fighting over a lot? Mmmmmmeeeh your guess is as good as mine.

I got divorced and didnt ask for any money, I mean, I have a job, my ex has his...the money he earned is rightfully his blood, sweat and tears...plus we didnt own property or anything...not that I would have chipped in for that anyway, so whatever! Lol. We only had to drum out an agreement of custody...no money requested there either...it took several months and ended up costing me about HKD16K. The mediators that my husband had to pay for cost about HKD4K an hour and ended up running into about 4 sessions...and lord knows how much his lawyer cost him, I do believe he hired one of the best for custody battles.

If you are fighting over money...if its fair and cut and dried and you dont see yourself fighting too long and hard...shouldnt be too bad. But hey, depends on how much money you have to pay lawyers in the first place, you could end up being dragged on and on until your own funds dwindeling pushes you to settle. Divorce isnt like some random courtcase, lawyers still need monthly payments once you burn through the retainer.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by rebelman (140 days ago)

i divorced in true grown up way, with 1 kid, it costed us HK$ 800 or something like that. was all very simple and straight forward, only problem i had is you have to swear on the bible. me not being religious i said no, then i was told i have to or........so i just said a lie grins.

i think cost mainly depends on your relation, you wanna kill each other or just the best for each other?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by len_in_shanghai (139 days ago)

Sad, like rebelman said you can do it for under 1k, or you can "take revenge on the guy because he cheated on me so I am going to leave him with nothing" which will cost you year(s) and money, and even the money he may have to pay to the lawyers is money you will not see either.

From a guy's point of view, I advice you to simply get into a friendly agreement. Remember even if you take all his money he will be fine again in <5 years...money can always be made.

No matter what you do, he will walk away with his "me love you long time" doll, and you will end up maybe a but richer, but in no case younger or less bitter. I wonder how much money can replace the youth you have lost, the trust in someone else that you will never regain, the faith in the santicity of marriage that is no longer there.

I don't mean to hurt you but to open your eyes and consider whether you want to waste yet another year(s) fighting for pennies. Sometimes you need to know when to quit and accept defeat.

In summary, I strongly advice you, for your own good, to settle things in a friendly way, and give up whatever you have just to end up things as fast as possible.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Hila Rious (139 days ago)

ahhh,....marriage is grand but divorce is 10 grand :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Little Carmen (139 days ago)

Hehe....I am curious where you have to swear on a bible of pay only HKD800! My divorce was just paperwork and no swearing...Isnt HK a secular country? Where did you get divorced, rebelman? And when??? :o)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by waterloo (135 days ago)

Is it possible to get divorced in HK without a lawyer if it's uncontested and both parties agree on it?
Divorce is difficult enough without having to air out your affairs in front of strangers!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sue (125 days ago)

Hampton Winter & Glynn are the best lawyers for divorce

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (119 days ago)

If you are interested on my personal experience with Hamptons - please send me a PM. Two of my friends have retained Hamptons in the past 5 years.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by bprmum (117 days ago)

you can divorce here with no lawyers if all money/property is agreed beforehand. However you have to wait until you have been separated (living in different addresses) for one year before you can start proceedings. So, if you want out quickly and/or don't trust his word you need a lawyer.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by billybally (114 days ago)

It amazes me how much misinformation there is on the subject of divorce. Please check out the government site:
http://www.judiciary.gov.hk/en/crt_services/pphlt/html/divorce.htm

You DO NOT have to be separated for one year before you start proceedings, that is just one basis for divorce.

If both parties agree it can be quick and simple to get a divorce, the only absolute requirement is that you have been married for one year (you can't start a petition for divorce within the first year of marriage).

Please note, being in agreement that you'll divorce is NOT the same as a joint petition. You could ammicably agree on the terms of the divorce and still have one party petition for the divorce.

As I said, please take a look at the government website, it's an authoritative source, and includes the contact details for the Family Courts that can provide further information:

http://www.judiciary.gov.hk/en/crt_services/pphlt/html/divorce.htm

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by bprmum (101 days ago)

apologies you are right, it was the basis for our divorce, not all divorces

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by IbuBapak (101 days ago)

If the divorce gets nasty, invest in a good private investigator. The amount of hours needed will eventually be less than what you would need to pay a lawyer without one, and with the evidence dug up by the PI, no doubt you will win quickly and without all the money going to the lawyers in an extended divorce court battle.

(I am based in Hong Kong)