The cost of hiring an attorney varies based on the time expended, the issues involved, the difficulty of the matter, the results achieved, and any extraordinary time or demands placed upon an attorney which would prevent an attorney from representing other clients. Of these factors, the time expended is generally the most important. Most attorneys will require that a retainer be paid at the time of retention. Every attorney in Connecticut should have a written fee agreement with his/her clients.

Either spouse may be required to pay the counsel fees and disbursements of the other spouse, based on the same factors to be taken into account in making an award of alimony. Generally, a party with enough funds to pay his or her own attorney will not receive an award of counsel fees; however, the provisions of the support statutes make it possible for the non-monied spouse to recover counsel fees from the monied spouse in a proper case. Never fail to consult an attorney simply because you do not have the immediately available funds to pay a retainer.