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How can I save money on my divorce?

On Behalf of | Jul 9, 2020 | Divorce |

Most people assume that divorce is going to be expensive, but many focus on the wrong things. For instance, many people worry about child support payments and alimony along with the costs of property division once they finalize the divorce.

However, this glosses over the fact that divorce itself can cost tens of thousands of dollars. According to Forbes Magazine, one of the best ways to save money on your divorce is to choose a collaborative divorce.

What is a collaborative divorce? 

If when we say the word “divorce” you think of a courtroom, you are envisioning a trial divorce. Trial divorces often take months to finalize, and involve lots of legal personnel. A trial divorce may involve several lawyers, paralegals, judges, legal aides, and others. The more professionals involved in your divorce, the more the divorce itself costs.

On the other hand, a collaborative divorce usually only involves one lawyer representing each party and a discussion taking place across a conference table.

What are the downsides to collaborative divorce? 

In order for collaborative divorce to work, both parties need to actively collaborate. This means that if you and your ex-spouse cannot be in the same room without an argument, it is unlikely that a collaborative approach will be fruitful. If one or both parties is overly focused on “getting all they can” from the other, then a trial divorce may be the only option.

It is also important to ensure that everybody is happy with the outcome. It is possible for one ex-spouse to bully the other: if you believe that you will not adequately stand up for your interests in a collaborative environment, a trial may be a better choice.

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