2026 Illinois Child Custody Costs: Average Lawyer Fees

Introduction

Child custody legal costs in Illinois depend largely on whether parents can reach agreements through mediation or must resolve disputes in court. Custody cases often involve parenting plans, court hearings, and in some situations professional evaluations, all of which increase total expenses. Costs are generally higher in metropolitan areas such as Chicago and Cook County, where attorney rates and court activity are greater.

This guide explains child custody legal costs in Illinois, including lawyer fees, court costs, and the key factors that influence how much parents may pay.
This section is incorporated into our full breakdown of Family Law fees in Illinois.

Average Child Custody Lawyer Fees in Illinois

Average Illinois child custody lawyer fees and court evaluation costs

Child custody attorneys in Illinois usually bill hourly, with rates influenced by experience, case complexity, and location.

Custody hearings here can hinge on small decisions that have outsized billing effects.
• Scheduling emergency motions for visitation changes adds discrete time blocks.
• Reviewing parenting time reports with custody evaluators creates separate fee layers.
• Preparing for a final parenting plan conference may overlap with tasks like evaluating recalculated support after changed custody arrangements.
• At the same time, shared discovery about living expenses and income often feeds into forecasting expenses for marital dissolution work before a judge signs an order.

Typical Attorney Rates and Case Costs

Representation Type	Typical Cost Range
Standard child custody attorney	$300–$500 per hour
Highly experienced or complex-case attorney	$500–$800+ per hour
Simple or uncontested custody matters	$2,500–$6,500 total
Highly contested custody disputes	$12,000–$40,000+

Rates are often highest in Cook County and surrounding metropolitan areas, especially when cases involve multiple hearings or expert involvement.

👉 Nationwide comparison: How Much Do Lawyers Cost in the United States?

Illinois Child Custody Court Costs and Fees

In addition to attorney fees, child custody cases in Illinois involve mandatory court filing and procedural expenses.

Common Court and Case-Related Expenses

Cost Category	Typical Amount
Family law filing fee	~$300–$350
Service of process	$50–$150
Mandatory mediation	Varies by county
Custody evaluation or guardian ad litem	Varies by case

Court fees are typically lower than attorney fees, but they still add to total legal costs—especially in prolonged disputes.

🔗 Related guide: Court Costs in the United States

Factors That Increase Child Custody Legal Costs in Illinois

Several factors can significantly raise custody-related legal expenses.

Primary Cost Drivers

Factor	Impact on Total Cost
Contested custody or parenting time	More hearings and attorney time
Disputes over decision-making authority	Increased motions and litigation
Requests for sole custody	Higher evidentiary burden
Custody evaluators or guardians ad litem	Additional professional fees
Multiple court appearances	Extended case duration

High-conflict cases usually result in the highest overall expenses.

Uncontested vs Contested Child Custody Cases

Cost Comparison by Case Type

Case Type	Typical Cost Impact
Uncontested custody	Lower cost, faster resolution
Contested custody	Significantly higher expenses

Uncontested custody cases typically involve:

Faster resolution
Limited attorney involvement
Lower overall legal costs

Contested custody cases often involve:

Extensive legal representation
Court-ordered mediation or evaluations
Significantly higher expenses

Mediation can help reduce both time and cost when parents are willing to cooperate.

How Illinois Child Custody Costs Compare to Other States

Child custody legal costs in Illinois are generally lower than New York and California, but higher than many Midwestern states such as Ohio and Indiana, particularly in contested cases.

📊 Nationwide comparison: Legal Costs by State

How to Reduce Child Custody Legal Costs in Illinois

Ways to manage child custody expenses in Illinois include:

Reaching agreements through mediation whenever possible
Preparing parenting plans and supporting documentation early
Limiting unnecessary court motions or filings
Keeping attorney communication focused and efficient
Actively reducing conflict between parents

Reducing conflict remains the most effective way to control custody-related legal costs.

FAQ — Child Custody Legal Costs in Illinois

How much does a child custody lawyer cost in Illinois?

Child custody lawyers in Illinois typically charge $300–$500 per hour, with experienced attorneys charging $500–$800+ per hour. Total costs depend on whether the case is contested.

How much does a custody case cost in Illinois?

Uncontested cases may cost $2,500–$6,500, while highly contested disputes often exceed $12,000–$40,000.

Are custody evaluations required in Illinois?

Not always. Courts may order evaluations or appoint a guardian ad litem when custody is disputed or the child’s best interests are unclear.

Is mediation mandatory in Illinois custody cases?

Many counties require mediation before contested custody hearings, though requirements vary by jurisdiction.

What makes custody cases more expensive?

High conflict, multiple hearings, expert involvement, and prolonged litigation are the main cost drivers.

External Resources (Official Sources)

Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Illinois Courts — Child Custody & Parenting Time
Illinois Compiled Statutes — Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Conclusion

Child custody legal costs in Illinois range from a few thousand dollars for cooperative cases to tens of thousands for highly contested disputes. Attorney fees, court costs, and the level of parental disagreement all play major roles in determining final expenses.

Understanding these costs helps parents plan financially and navigate custody proceedings more effectively in Illinois.