How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
Transparent attorney fee estimates and legal cost breakdowns across all 50 states. Make informed decisions about your legal needs.
Explore Legal Costs by Practice Area
Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 attorney fees, filing costs, and state-by-state comparisons.
Avg: $900 – $5,000Divorce
Contested and uncontested divorce costs, mediation fees, and filing fees by state.
Avg: $2,500 – $25,000DUI Defense
DUI attorney fees, court fines, SR-22 insurance costs, and total financial impact.
Avg: $2,500 – $8,000Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, power of attorney costs, and probate fee estimates by state.
Avg: $250 – $5,000Personal Injury
Settlement estimates, pain and suffering multipliers, and contingency fee structures.
Avg: 33% contingencyAverage Attorney Costs at a Glance
| Practice Area | Low End | High End | Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) | $900 | $2,200 | Flat fee |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 13) | $2,200 | $5,000 | Flat fee |
| Divorce (Uncontested) | $2,500 | $7,500 | Flat or hourly |
| Divorce (Contested) | $12,000 | $25,000 | Hourly + retainer |
| DUI Defense | $2,500 | $8,000 | Flat fee |
| Will / Estate Plan | $250 | $1,200 | Flat fee |
| Living Trust | $1,500 | $5,000 | Flat fee |
| Personal Injury | 33% | 40% | Contingency |
Understanding Legal Costs
Legal fees vary significantly based on your location, the complexity of your case, and the attorney's experience level. Most attorneys use one of three fee structures: flat fees for straightforward matters like simple wills or uncontested divorces, hourly rates for complex litigation, or contingency fees for personal injury cases where the attorney takes a percentage of your recovery.
Use LegalCostGuide to research costs in your state before consulting with an attorney. Understanding typical fee ranges helps you ask better questions, compare quotes, and budget appropriately for your legal needs.