Being thrifty is not only in vogue, it is also sensible. During divorce, it can be easy to overspend in many ways. With a little forethought, it may be possible for California residents to calculate expenses in order to keep them to a more manageable level.
Costs that one will need to consider may need to be researched. An attorney may charge a fee for the initial consultation followed by a retainer once one engages his or her services. If the division of property is complex, or if there are children involved, the legal costs associated with the divorce may be higher than if things are more straightforward. The attorney may be able to give one an idea of how many hours’ work is likely to be involved and possibly an estimate of the court fees that may be charged.
Costs are also likely to extend beyond those relating to legalities. The services of other professionals, such as accountants or investigators, may also be required. In addition, one needs to remember that the process of dividing a household will also incur costs. These may include a deposit on a new home, expenses associated with furnishing it and arranging removal of whatever belongings one obtains in the division of property from the former marital home. Even if one retains the former marital home, one will need to consider how the loss of the ex-spouse’s income will affect one’s ability to maintain the payments and maintenance costs associated with the property.
California residents may be tempted to cut corners with divorce costs, but this can be a false economy. Mistakes and inaccuracies can hold things up time wise, and they may end up being financially costly to fix. Getting the appropriate advice and guidance when doing one’s research can help avoid delays and enable a smooth transition into a positive future.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Divorce Is Expensive (can you really afford it?)“, Al Corona, Aug. 20, 2016
