10 Reasons Divorce and Custody Court Cases are Expensive

Episode Summary: In this episode of Off the Record, attorney Rhett Burney breaks down the real reasons why divorce and custody cases in South Carolina can become so costly. From attorney time and discovery to emotional battles and post-judgment disputes, Rhett explains the hidden costs, delays, and complexities behind family court litigation. Whether you’re preparing for a divorce or simply want to understand the process, this episode offers a transparent and informative look at the financial and emotional demands of family law cases.   Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why divorce and custody cases are expensive 01:35 – Attorney time, expertise, and overhead costs 03:45 – Court rules, procedures, and why representation matters 05:30 – Filing fees, process servers, and administrative expenses 07:15 – The role of discovery in driving up case costs 10:20 – Why discovery is time-consuming and document-heavy 13:30 – Common misconceptions about case outcomes and trial results 16:10 – The unpredictability of judges and opposing counsel 18:40 – The cost impact of contested hearings and trials 21:00 – Delays in court scheduling and the realities of the legal system 24:25 – Emotional conflict and its financial consequences in divorce 28:10 – What post-judgment disputes are and how they arise   Why do family law cases cost so much? Attorney Rhett Burney provides an in-depth, no-nonsense explanation of the many factors that drive up the cost of divorce and custody litigation. He outlines the behind-the-scenes work attorneys do, from trial preparation to navigating court rules and hiring experts. Rhett also discusses the time-consuming nature of discovery, the unpredictability of court outcomes, and the influence of emotional decisions on cost and timelines. Plus, learn how post-judgment disputes can continue even after a final order is issued. This episode is essential listening for anyone facing family law litigation in South Carolina. 👨‍⚖️ Learn more about Rhett Burney: rhettburney.com 📚 Mentioned Topics: Discovery Process, Custody Litigation, Divorce Trial Prep 🎧 More episodes: Off the Record archives available on all major podcast platforms   Connect with Rhett Burney: 🔗 rhettburney.com 📱 Facebook | LinkedIn 💼 Legal Services: Divorce | Custody | Family Law