Per New Jersey rules, all divorces must be based on an “hourly” retainer agreement. Your attorney will ask for an initial retainer from which the attorney will use to pay any and all fees and expenses, while also working off the balance of the retainer per the hourly rate of the attorney(s). The bottom line is that the longer it takes you and your spouse to settle, the more money it will cost you. For a case that can be settled quickly and easily, the fees are usually below $5000.