Anytime you have a contested child custody dispute you will face certain costs and expenses. Some of these expenses include:

1.  Attorney fees - if billed by the hour you will pay a minimum of $1,500.00  but more likely somewhere between $3-5,000.00. Make sure that you discuss this with your attorney to find out the actual costs not just the initial costs and the hourly rate you will be charged. Find out if the attorney will guarantee his/her fee.
2. Filing fees - $76.00-129.00 depending on whether the child custody dispute is part of a divorce or or not.
3. Child Custody Evaluation - many Idaho courts are now requiring a child custody evaluation. If ordered to conduct an evaluation you will be looking at between $750-3,000.00.
4. Photocopies, Faxes, etc. - if billed by the hour you will also be charged around 0.30 per fax page and 0.25  per copy. You will also be charged for any long distance charges.
5. Subpoenas - it may be necessary to subpoena information from various individuals, businesses, or organizations. Each subpoena can cost anywhere from $20-100.00.
6. Witness Fees. Anytime you call the custody evaluator or other witnesses at trial you may have to pay for their appearance. Expect witness fees between $300-500.00.

These are just some of the costs and expenses you will face when going through a disputed child custody evaluation. Make sure to discuss costs and fees with your attorney and request that they guarantee their fee.

In an effort to provide guaranteed fees, Snake River Law has moved to flat fees in child custody disputes and guarantees its clients a fixed flat rate for attorney fees.