
Crowdfunding for divorce and litigation can be a lifesaver for individuals facing financial struggles during a custody battle. According to a recent study, 62% of family law cases involve a custody dispute.
The average cost of a divorce in the United States is around $15,000 to $20,000. This can be a significant burden for individuals who are already struggling financially.
Crowdfunding can help alleviate some of this financial stress, allowing individuals to raise money for legal fees and other expenses related to their custody case.
Crowdfunding for Legal Fees
Crowdfunding for legal fees can be a game-changer for those facing financial struggles during a divorce. GoFundMe, a popular crowdfunding platform, has been used by many to raise money for legal fees. Launched in 2010, GoFundMe states it is the world's largest social fundraising platform, with over $4 billion raised so far.
Indiegogo is another online crowdfunding venue that allows people to raise funds for their own campaigns, including legal fees. FundRazr is a platform that specializes in fundraising for legal costs, red tape, regulatory expenses, or other legal fees.
Funded Justice is a website that focuses on helping people raise money to hire attorneys or right a social wrong, with funds transferred to you as quickly as possible. GoGetFunding is a crowdfunding website that lets you raise money for anything that matters to you, including legal expenses.
CrowdJustice applies the crowdfunding model to the law, with funds going to the lawyer's client account. Creating a crowdfunding page at CrowdJustice only takes a few minutes. JustGiving has helped people in 164 countries raise over $4.5 billion for good causes since they were founded in 2001.
Here are some popular crowdfunding websites for legal fees:
- GoFundMe
- Indiegogo
- FundRazr
- Funded Justice
- GoGetFunding
- CrowdJustice
- JustGiving
- FreeFunder
- LexShares
These platforms can help offset some of the costs associated with divorce, such as paperwork and legal fees, attorney's fees, child and spousal support, and other unexpected costs.
Important Considerations
It's essential to understand the complexities of crowdfunding for legal fees in custody cases. Many crowdfunded justice campaigns don't go viral and raise significantly more than their expected targets.
You should be aware that some crowdfunding firms have policies prohibiting funding involved with hate speech or abuse. This is a crucial consideration when creating a crowdfunding campaign for legal fees in a custody case.
It's also worth noting that some major crowdfunding sites have resisted hosting campaigns that raise money for legal fees in specific, controversial cases. This can limit your options for crowdfunding.
Always discuss legal advice with your lawyer or attorney BEFORE doing anything, including creating a crowdfunded legal campaign of any type. This will help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure you're making informed decisions.
Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Crowdfunding firms may have policies against funding hate speech or abuse.
- Some major crowdfunding sites may not host campaigns for specific, controversial cases.
- Always consult with a lawyer or attorney before creating a crowdfunding campaign for legal fees.
Real-Life Examples
In one notable case, a mother in California raised over $100,000 on GoFundMe to cover her legal fees in a custody battle. This was after she was ordered to pay her ex-husband's legal fees.
A father in Texas used GoFundMe to raise $50,000 to cover his legal fees in a custody dispute, which helped him to hire a lawyer and fight for shared parenting time.
The average cost of a custody battle in the US can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, making crowdfunding a viable option for those who cannot afford the costs.
A woman in Florida used GoFundMe to raise $20,000 to cover her legal fees in a custody battle, which was a significant portion of her overall expenses.
In some cases, crowdfunding can be a faster way to raise funds for legal fees than traditional fundraising methods, such as selling items or hosting events.
Crowdfunding for Divorce
You can crowdfund your divorce using platforms like Funded Justice, which specifically allows for divorce and family law matters, or GoFundMe and Indiegogo, which permit it despite not being intended for divorce.
Not all crowdfunding outlets allow for divorce, so it's essential to examine the rules before you begin.
Crowdfunding can help offset some of the costs you face in ending a marriage, including paperwork and legal fees.
Filing the forms and serving your spouse come with costs, and the more complicated it gets, the more expensive it becomes.
You may need to file and respond to motions, go to court, and appear at mediation, all of which cost money.
Attorney's fees can be a significant expense, with a consulting charge and an hourly rate that can multiply fast.
Child and spousal support payments may be short in duration or continue indefinitely, depending on the circumstances.
These payments can include necessities like food, shelter, medical care, and education for minor children, as well as financial support for your ex after divorce.
You may also face other unexpected costs, such as moving into a new home, buying a house, or furnishing a new place.
Here's a breakdown of the costs you may face:
- Paperwork and legal fees: $500-$2,000 or more
- Attorney's fees: $100-$500 per hour or more
- Child support: varies depending on income, need, and parenting time
- Spousal support: varies depending on health, length of marriage, and job prospects
- Other costs: moving, buying a house, furnishing a new place, and more
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will GoFundMe take from $5000?
For every $5000 donated, GoFundMe will take a transaction fee of $143.50 (2.9% + $0.30). This fee is applied to all donations in the US.
Sources
- https://www.themarshallproject.org/2015/11/13/need-cash-to-hire-a-lawyer-try-crowdfunding
- https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/legal/legal-crowdfund.php
- https://reportafrique.com/entertainment/karen-igho-launches-gofundme/
- https://www.goldbergjones-sandiego.com/divorce/crowdfunding-divorce/
- https://radaronline.com/videos/jon-gosselin-custody-battle-kate-gosselin-fundraiser-asking-fans-pay-court-fees/
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