If a trial is necessary, the court has the authority to order one spouse to pay the other's attorney's fees in alimony, child support, and child custody matters. The amount awarded by the court will rarely pay the full amount of the attorney's fees. By far, the most common method of calculating fees is charging for the amount of time required for each service. Hourly rates can differ dramatically. A greater hourly rate does not guarantee a superior service.
Some lawyers have different hourly rates depending upon the complexity of the case.
The other method of calculating fees is the flat rate. A flat rate may be charged for the entire divorce or for a particular stage of litigation. Finally, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for a divorce that is not seriously contested, then charge an hourly rate if the case becomes contested. If there are many motions or other hearings, the court cost could reach as much as several hundred dollars. I went to one lawyer who said that he would charge a percentage of the settlement.