There are several questions you should consider that will help you determine how much the divorce will cost:
1. What are the big issues? 2. How much are you and the other party able and willing to compromise on the big issues? 3. What impact will there be on you and your loved ones if you do not get the result you want?
Disputes in court are much like disputes outside of court: If you and the opposing party are good at engaging in practical, productive problem solving together despite your differences, then things bode well in terms of the cost of the case. On the other hand, if you and the opposing party have a difficult time engaging in practical, productive problem solving together, then you must anticipate a potential lengthy process of negotiations and potentially trial.
There is no relationship between how right you are and how much the case will cost you. Even if you are 100% right and the opposing party is completely wrong, you will still need to fight using the legal system to get the result you want. This is a frustrating aspect of the legal system you should bear in mind at the outset of a legal case. This means that if the opposing party happens to be great at problem solving with you, then you are in luck; on the other hand, if the opposing party happens to be very difficult, then you will need to prepare yourself for the battle ahead.
When you are deciding who you should hire as your attorney, you should clearly communicate the answers to the key questions outlined above, to make sure your priorities are clear. Clearly outlining your priorities with your attorney will help you plan for the cost of litigation, to make sure you can get the results you want.