Divorce Expenses - 4 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Divorce
From LawDepot Law Library
Divorce is a painful and expensive process. If one party contests the divorce, the costs can be even greater, due to the lengthy litigation process that will result. There are, however, a number of ways to reduce the financial cost of your divorce, and hopefully make the process a little less painful as well.
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Get an uncontested divorce
If you and your spouse can come to an agreement about the terms of your divorce, the entire process will be much smoother. You will both save thousands of dollars in legal fees by avoiding an extensive litigation process. This will also make the process go much faster. Divorce litigation can sometimes take years. If you live in a region that doesn’t have a minimum waiting period, an uncontested divorce may be granted as soon as the papers are processed.
Use a mediator
If you are unable to come to an agreement with your spouse, litigation is not the only option. Third party mediators are available to help you negotiate your terms and come to an agreement without taking the matter to court. While mediation is not free, it is much cheaper than litigation. By using a mediator to come to an agreement, you will also be able to get an uncontested divorce.
Do it yourself
While lawyers are a necessity in cases when one spouse contests the divorce, uncontested divorces involve little more than filling out and filing the necessary documents. The reason that there are so many do-it-yourself divorce packages is that the need for a lawyer is rare in most divorces. The easiest way to do this is by using an online divorce form. Divorce laws are different in every state, so make sure you are using a form that is tailor-made for your jurisdiction. Keep in mind, these forms are not a replacement for a legal professional; you should always consult an attorney if you’re in need of specific legal advice.
Do some research
You’re probably not a legal expert. If you do some research before getting underway with the divorce proceedings, things will go much smoother for you. There are a number of free and useful resources on the internet. You should also be able to find information at your local library. This will allow you to learn what you need to know without paying a lawyer to explain it to you. Be sure that you understand what you are reading. If you are unsure about anything, it would be wise to consult a legal professional. If you make an error because you misunderstood the law, the result can be more expensive than if you had consulted with a lawyer.
Conclusion
Going through a divorce is painful, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. By coming to an agreement with your spouse, doing some research, and using a do-it-yourself divorce package, you will save time and money. By making the process faster and cheaper, you’ll also reduce your stress levels during the divorce. It’s not painless, but by reducing your costs, you can make your divorce less stressful.
