8 Smart Strategies to Slash Your Divorce Costs

It seems so simple. You keep this and I’ll keep that. And honestly, sometimes it feels like lawyers just complicate things more! But you want to do it right, get and give what’s fair, and not overlook any details. So, how can you strategies to deal with the complexities, ensure you get a fair settlement, and keep your legal cost down in your divorce?

Just recently we met with a client genuinely struggling to make it financially. No lawyers were involved in the divorce a few years ago, the “check-the-box judgment of divorce”  form was used. But when this client met with us, we learned they had a very strong claim for spousal support that was lost in the do it yourself process.

We see it almost every week. Spousal support might not be the issue, but do you really want to overlook anything?  Not sure what the options are? This previous post should help by providing additional strategies and guidance. Click Here 

By following these strategies, you can reduce the cost of your divorce and ensure a fair outcome.

Smart Strategies to save $$$:

1. Choose the Right Process

   • If you don’t have kids or a business, lawyering-up with traditional litigation might be overkill.
   • For complex situations (business, children, multiple assets), or if you are just in the dark about finances, the kitchen table, back-of-the-napkin approach can result in missteps that often take years to sort out.
   • Your smartest investment to avoid costly mistakes? Schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer to understand different tiers of service and determine the best approach for you.

2. Write Your Story

   • To get right to the heart of what you need to know, prepare for your initial consultation by writing down:
     • Full names and prior names of you and your spouse.
     • Names and birthdates of your children.
     • Important dates (marriage, separation, court filings).
     • Employment details and income for both of you.
     • Your top three worries and goals.
   • This saves time and helps your lawyer give you the best advice quickly.

3. Do the Groundwork

   • Gather all necessary documents (financial statements, property deeds, etc.) as soon as possible.
   • Use this checklist to ensure you have everything ready for your lawyer.
   • Act quickly when your lawyer requests more information (for example, additional statements, scheduling with appraisers, etc.) to avoid delays and increased costs.

4. Avoid Rash Actions

   • Don’t empty joint accounts, max out credit cards, or take drastic financial actions.
   • Such moves can lead to expensive litigation and court disapproval.
   • Consult your lawyer on the best ways to protect yourself without escalating conflicts.

5. Focus on a Parenting Time Plan

   • Instead of fighting over custody labels, create a flexible parenting time plan.
   • Use a calendar to schedule time with each parent.
   • Stay open to adjustments and prioritize your children’s well-being.

6. Prepare a Realistic Budget

   • Create a budget that reflects the reality of supporting two households.
   • Avoid inflating or underestimating expenses.
   • Use a budget form tailored for divorcing spouses to plan accurately.

7. Use Your Attorney Wisely

   • Gather your questions and schedule a time to discuss them as a group in one call or meeting.
   • Avoid frequent, separate communications that require your lawyer to repeatedly switch focus to your case.
   • Focus on issues your lawyer and the court can effectively address. No one can make your spouse undergo a personality transplant. If s/he’s always been slow to act on requests, s/he will be during your divorce too.

8. Be Honest and Transparent

   • Provide all necessary information to your lawyer promptly.
   • Hiding details can lead to more legal fees and complications.

At our firm, we want everyone to have the opportunity to get a good start and choose the right process.  So, we’ve made our initial consultations available at a reduced flat fee. So utilize these strategies and give us a call or text to get started.

Wishing you wisdom,

Deborah and Gabriella