Tips for Cutting Divorce Expenses

 Posted on December 30, 2015 in Family Law

With the holiday season officially coming to a close, we are headed into a time when divorce rates are the highest. Unfortunately, many couples are also recovering from the end-of-year financial burdens, which can sometimes lead to taking tempting but dangerous shortcuts in filing. Avoid making this common mistake by knowing which cost-cutting options are a good idea, and which are best avoided.

Manage the Details in a Peaceable Manner

Long, drawn out divorce battles can end up costing thousands of dollars in attorney and court fees. Alternatively, there are couples who try to go at it without the help of an attorney and then end up regretting the decision later when the negotiations get out of control. Avoid both of these issues through either divorce mediation (one attorney serves as a third-party negotiator) or collaborative divorce (each couple hires their own attorney but chooses to work cooperatively to achieve an uncontested divorce).

Save the Attorney for Legal Matters

If you call your attorney over every argument, you are likely to see a hefty bill at the end of the proceedings. Avoid this common pitfall by reminding yourself that you have hired your attorney to handle the legal matters. Emotional matters (which are completely normal while navigating a divorce) should be handled by a therapist or other mental health professional.

Let the Little Things Go

The division of assets and property during a divorce can be a touchy subject for most couples. Your conjoined lives are full of memories — some good, some bad — and often, those memories are attached to items. However, it is important to remember that arguing over who will receive what can cost you a lot of extra money. In fact, there have been couples who could have purchased all new items with the funds spent on attorney fees during the property division process.

Avoid the Temptation to Have the Last Word

Emotions are understandably high while navigating through a divorce. This can be especially true for couples that may have experienced infidelity, abuse, or other traumatic events prior to divorcing. But, again, it is important to remember that unnecessary arguing equals extra fees. Rather than trying to “be right” or have the last word, work on resolving your anger, hurt, or frustration through healthier solutions that will benefit you in the long-run.

Take the First Step to Personal Responsibility and Self Reliance

Once you have decided that a divorce is inevitable, it is important to start looking at yourself as an individual — a person responsible for their own emotional, mental, and financial well-being. Focus on healing, moving forward with your own life, and creating a future you can be proud of. This will go a long way in diffusing many of the post marital arguments many couples experience.

Need Help with Your Divorce?

Are you planning on filing for divorce? Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help. Dedicated to protecting your rights, effective at assisting in alternative dispute resolution, and experienced in litigation processes when mediation efforts fall short, we can provide you with compassionate and, when necessary, aggressive representation. Schedule a free initial consultation with our skilled DuPage County divorce attorneys by calling 630-932-9100 today.

Source:

http://forbes.com/sites/emmajohnson/2015/12/29/getting-divorced-5-ways-to-save-thousands-of-dollars/