Evolution Divorce & Family Law Pricing Guide

Divorce is unpleasant. Working with a lawyer doesn’t have to be.

A simple guide to separation and divorce, and a look at our upfront pricing.

The Separation & Divorce Process

The separation and divorce process, as our name implies, is an evolution. This pricing page will help you determine the types of services you will need for your particular case. Keep in mind there may be fees for other specialists, if needed, like mediators, counselors and coaches, or financial professionals.

"We guide and support people through one of the worst times of their lives, helping them find clarity and understanding along the way, so that they move from uncertainty in their present to stability in their future. We have deep experience in this world, we know the process, and we know the costs involved are worth the price of admission."

Chris Macturk Richmond VA. Trusted Divorce and Family Law Lawyer wearing blue jacket and red tie
Chris Macturk
Founding Attorney
How our pricing is different from many law firms:

At Evolution Divorce, we believe in transparent, upfront pricing that aligns with your interests.

Why our pricing model benefits you:
1. Predictability: You'll know the full cost from the beginning, allowing for better financial planning during an already stressful time.
2. Open Communication: You can communicate freely throughout without fear of additional costs piling up.
3. Focus on Resolution: Our goal is to achieve the best outcome for you, not to rack up billable hours.
4. No Surprises: Unlike hourly billing, where costs can quickly escalate, our upfront pricing means no shocking invoices.
5. Value-Based Service: We price based on the value we provide, not the time we spend. You're paying for results, not just our time.

While other law firms might offer a lower initial retainer with hourly billing, they less incentive to prevent escalating costs. In fact, the more contentious and drawn-out a case becomes, the more they earn. Our model aligns with your success.

Types of Divorce in Virginia

In Virginia, divorce is broken into two types: Uncontested and Contested. Learn the difference between the two, and you'll start to determine the level of services and associated pricing required to meet your needs.

Do I need an attorney for this?

There is no requirement that you hire an attorney for a divorce. However, it is rare that a separating couple attempts this complex legal, financial, and emotional journey without an attorney, mediator, or other specialists. If you choose not to hire an attorney, keep in mind there are a significant number of considerations and legal documents that you will be left to manage on your own.

"I think we just need a mediator."

If you and your spouse both agree to a civil and structured split, you may consider using a mediator. A divorce mediator is a neutral party who meets with both spouses, keeping your case out of court to develop a settlement agreement and end your marriage. However, you may still want to hire an attorney who can consult with your mediator. You may also work with a financial advisor or accountant. Evolution can serve as a mediator, but in doing so, we cannot also serve as your attorney.

What’s the difference between a separation agreement & a divorce?

The separation agreement outlines the division of your property, assets, and, if you have young kids, how they will be cared for. It’s the map for how your lives will look going forward.

A divorce is the legal step resulting in the final decree, signed by a judge, dissolving your marriage.

Pricing: Separation Agreement & Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse have agreed to separate and legally end your marriage. The process requires living separate and apart for a specified period of time (6 months to a year, as required by Virginia law), and you both have to agree to resolve the matter without a court — which you can do with an attorney, mediator, financial advisors, or some combination of them.

An uncontested divorce:
Keeps your personal matters out of court
• Means the parties agree to resolve their separation agreement without a judge 
• Allows you to reach an agreement together, with the help of attorneys and other professionals as required

Note: Pricing is a guideline only and may vary depending on each client's circumstances

Service Level
Price
Features
Primary
Ideal for: Working spouses, no minor children 
$4500
• Drafting and negotiation of separation agreement
• No minor children involved
• No divorce filing included
Primary Plus
Ideal for: At least one working spouse, minor children
$9,000
• Drafting and negotiation of separation agreement
• Minor children
• No-fault divorce filing
• Name change
• 1 retirement account QDROs
Freedom
Ideal for: At least one working spouse, minor children, potential business ownership interests, mediator meetings and/or collaborative process, multiple retirement accounts
$13,500
• All Service Level Enhancements, including all legal filings, mediation, and business interest divisions
• Minor childrenNo-fault divorce filing
• Name change
• 3 retirement account QDROs
Service Level Enhancements
$2,500 - Minor Children
$1,500 - No-fault divorce filing
$1,950 - No-fault divorce with name change
$2,500 - Business Interest
$3,500 - Attending Mediation
$3,500 - Collaborative Process
$1,500 (each account) - Retirement Division/QDRO's
What is a QDRO? A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) is a legal document recognizing that you, your spouse or former spouse, child, or other dependent is entitled to receive a portion of the account owner's retirement plan assets.
No need to fight - The Collaborative Divorce: A Collaborative divorce is a way to end your marriage through cooperation and negotiation, where both parties and their lawyers agree not to go to court and instead work together to reach a mutually beneficial separation. The goal is to proceed respectfully and productively. It often involves coaches, financial advisors, and attorneys working together to preserve both parties and their children's dignity and interests. This approach can prevent going back to court to address additional concerns later in life.

Pricing: Contested Divorce

If you and your spouse cannot agree to the terms of the divorce — or a partner is at fault through committing adultery, cruelty, abandonment or other factors — the divorce may be contested. Contested divorces require the local court to get involved and decide on how to end your marriage, divide assets, and dictate terms of child custody. While we try to avoid contested divorces, sometimes doing so is not possible.

A contested divorce:
• Requires the court to determine the outcome
• Often arises when one party is at fault through adultery, abandonment, cruelty, or imprisonment for a certain period of time

Note: Pricing is a guideline only and may vary depending on each client's circumstances

Service Level
Price
Features
Primary
$7000
• Drafting and filing initial and responsive pleadings
• Drafting and sending initial first set of written discovery to opposing party
• Responding to spouse's written discovery requests
• One pending litigation motion
• No minor children involved
• No divorce filing included
Primary Plus
$18,500
• Drafting and negotiation of separation agreement
• Minor children
• No-fault divorce filing
• Name change
• 1 retirement account QDROs
Freedom
$35,000
• All Service Level Enhancements, including all legal filings, mediation, and business interest divisions
• Minor childrenNo-fault divorce filing
• Name change
• 3 retirement account QDROs
Service Level Enhancements
$1,500/ea. - Continued court hearings
$500/ea. - Supplementing discovery responses
$2,500/ea. - Additional depositions
$3,500/ea. - Settlement conferences (includes Mediations, 4-way settlement conferences, judicial settlement conferences)
$500/ea. - Issuing subpoenas
$1,000/ea. - Motions (including post-trial)
$1,500/ea. - Hearings (including post-trial)
$5,500 - Trial preparation
$3,500 - Final hearing
$3,500 - Drafting settlement agreements
$1,500 - Retirement division / QDRO’s (each account)
$1,500 - Finalizing divorce and drafting decree

Pricing: Juvenile Court

When disputes arise regarding children, sometimes a court must get involved to resolve the issue. Juvenile Court is for unmarried people who have kids, or separated couples who are not yet divorced but living separately.

In Juvenile Court, you can file for:
• Custody and visitations
• Child support, or spousal support

Note: Pricing is a guideline only and may vary depending on each client's circumstances

Service Level
Price
Features
Primary
$8,500
• Initial petition/motion to amend for custody, visitation, child and/or spousal support
• Appearance at initial and final hearing
• NegotiationsInitial discovery requests and responses
Primary Plus
$13,500
• Includes all Primary services
• Includes all Service Level Enhancements
• Up to 6 subpoenas
Service Level Enhancements
$2,500 - Minor Children
$1,500 - No-fault divorce filing
$1,950 - No-fault divorce with name change
$2,500 - Business Interest
$3,500 - Attending Mediation
$3,500 - Collaborative Process
$1,500 (each account) - Retirement Division/QDRO's
Pricing FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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