Yes, you pay or can ask that it be split. I was told it was better to file first then the ex would have to answer any questions we brought up. It would put him on the defensive.

My lawyer told me to file first, even though my husband was the one who told me he wanted a divorce. I asked my husband if he would pay half of the legal fees, and he said yes. I guess it just depends on your situation.

i think he who hits first hits hardest.

i filed and my x (altho i find this is the usual case) had to pay all fees - his and mine

i meant its unusual

It makes no difference who files first.

bernie..maybe not legally BUT in my case it totally caught the x off gaurd..he thought hed play around and i would just wait for him to come home..i tend to think its knocks them off their game

Is it expensive, to file? Do you have to pay a certain amount when you file?

Not meaning to hijack your thread......

mine cost 2500 for the retainer and yes a divorce is expensive.

ours was because we owned a business

every phone call..every email cost a bunch of bucks BUT in the long run its worth it

In Ontario, as Bernie already stated, it makes no difference (financially or legally). Emotionally/psychologically, it may (or not) give you the feeling of taking control rather than having the control taken from you.

MSDE then he had a shitty lawyer and you're fortunate. It cost's virtually nothing to file/ What cost's, and I have my own business too, is paying for audits and discovery.

Hey Bernie: Filing in Ontario (outside Toronto)...$1,300 Canadian? Yes or no.

Less than 200 to file. If you retain a lawyer then that sounds about right.

Interrreesssting! My stbx said that he didn't have the extra cash at the moment (he makes 6 figures). My being in NYS requires me to be a resident for 2 yrs before I can file from here and I can no longer file from ON, because I don't have an address there. Ahhhh, the gift that keeps on giving! Fuckity fuck fuck

I'll get you the exact number. If it's an uncontested divorce then it costs very little to file.

In California, there are some advantages in filing first but I don't see them as a big deal:

a) if the case is contested, the side who files first goes first in presenting his/her case;

b) the automatic restraining orders go into effect -the filing party is bound immediately by them, the respondent is bound when served.

Does it cost? Yes. The filing fees for the Petitioner (lst one who files) is about $350 to $400 and the respondent's fees are the same. You can apply for a waiver of the fees but have to show good cause (on welfare, disability, insufficient funds, etc. Attorneys fees are a whole different store and range quite a bit.

Remember, this information applies only to California cases and your state may be very different. Always check with a local lawyer.

Lynne