Budget-Friendly Divorce Solutions

 Posted on June 18, 2018 in Divorce

Your marriage is coming to an end. You are about to begin a new chapter of your life, and you would prefer to start it without a mountain of divorce costs. Although the thought of a do-it-yourself divorce has crossed your mind, you know that doing so may complicate matters, drag out the process and often can result in additional, future litigation. Furthermore, if your partner has an attorney, and you decide to represent yourself, the judge may never hear “your side of the story,” and you may lose everything. If you know that having legal divorce help is your best option, but you are wary of the cost, try these budget-friendly divorce tips:

File for an Uncontested Divorce

If you and your spouse agree on most of the significant issues, you may benefit from filing for an uncontested divorce. Uncontested does not mean that your divorce will be free from disagreements; rather, it means that you can resolve them outside of court, allowing you to move more quickly through the court process to finalize your divorce. In an uncontested divorce, you should be sure to address the following issues:

• Property division;
• Asset and debt division;
• Child custody arrangements; and,
• Child support and spousal maintenance payments.

Plan for a Lifestyle Change

Both you and your spouse should understand that there will be a change in your standard of living. Where previously there was one home, one electric bill, and one grocery bill, there are now two of everything. Do not expect to maintain the same lifestyle immediately.

Maintain Open Communication

You will end up spending a great deal more money if your attorney has to relay all messages between you and your ex. Attorneys charge by the hour, including when making phone calls. As much as you may want to avoid speaking to your spouse, consider whether the cost is worth it to you to avoid those calls.

Understand Your Finances

Close any joint accounts; doing so allows you to avoid possibly losing money that is yours to your spouse. Also, ensure that you have copies of recent bank, pension plan and investment statements. This step cuts down on the work your attorney must do, and it can also reduce the chances of last minute surprises.

Never Skip Hiring an Attorney

The decisions you make during a divorce will affect the rest of your life. When you enter divorce court, you should not expect a judge to walk you through the process. Instead, it is one of the judge’s roles to hold everyone to the same legal standards, whether they are trained in the law or not. Being unfamiliar with the laws will likely test the judge’s patience, which will not help your case. 

When your emotions run high and you are sleep deprived as you deal with the stress of a divorce, you will be thankful that you have an experienced attorney looking out for you. An attorney also will help you complete the seemingly endless necessary steps and paperwork, and ensure that all is done accurately. Your lawyer can also provide an outside perspective, as well as suggest options you never knew existed. 

If you want to avoid the high costs that can come with a divorce, discuss your options with a Hillside divorce attorney. At the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C., we understand the stress of divorce, and we will listen to you carefully and offer you the best solutions for a positive outcome for you. Call us today at 708-449-7400 to schedule your free personalized consultation.

Sources:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/14/diy-divorce_n_3756900.html

https://www.liveabout.com/ways-to-keep-down-the-cost-of-divorce-1102502