It’s true that a divorce can cost you more than just your assets; the costs of a divorce could be $15,000 to $20,000 or more even for one with few issues. The cost of your divorce is based on how reasonable, fair and honest you and your spouse can be with your attorneys and each other. If you’re in agreement, you may not have to go to court and could do a divorce for $1,500, for example. Those with complicated divorces could have a case that lasts for years and runs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
To avoid breaking the bank, there are a few things you can do. First, don’t argue about minor parenting issues while you’re in court; work out the issue between yourselves or choose to let it go. It’s unlikely that you really need to fight about when your parents can see the children, especially if you’re all civil with one another.
Things like who will pay for small items like Internet charges or a cellphone bill may seem important, but after thousands of dollars spent in court, you would have been better off paying them yourself. If you can be flexible, you’ll save money. Of course, you can also save money by working out as much of your case as possible outside of court. Mediation can help as well. If you spend your time with a lawyer discussing why your marriage ended and not getting down to the facts of the case, you’re still going to have to pay the hourly wage.
Our website has more about marriage dissolutions and attendant issues, getting a divorce and how to get through this troubling time in the best way possible for your family.