Paying thousands of dollars to attorneys and various legal fees to get divorced can double up the emotional stress from the decision to separate from your spouse. Most people choose the standard judicial procedure being unaware of more affordable alternatives. Here is a short how-to guide that will help you save money and make the divorce maximally comfortable.
1. Look For Free Lawyers
A divorce lawyer in the USA charges $50 – $300 per hour. It is often the most significant cost item in the divorce process. The total amount for the lawyer’s services can reach tens of thousands of dollars. If you cannot afford such expenses, you can look for lawyers who offer free consultations. Some law firms provide a one-time free consultancy for potential clients. You can use this bonus time to clarify some arguable points and get qualified advice regarding your situation.
Some firms and non-profitable organizations also offer to consult a lawyer for free. Just google for such offers in your location and find the option that fits you. It is not a complete alternative to a paid attorney. However, if you file for a DIY divorce and need to get some professional assistance, it makes sense to try free consultancy.
2. Use Paralegals or Associates
If there is no way to end up with free consultancy, you can still lower the lawyer’s cost. Most divorce companies hire associates or paralegals for doing routine legal work. They charge lower hourly rates than law partners, yet their qualification is enough to elaborate standard divorce cases. Even if you initially consult a partner, feel free to ask to work with an associate if your case is not complicated. You can always apply to consult a partner if such a need occurs.
3. Aim to Settle An Agreement
The most efficient way to save on the cost of divorce is to bypass the trial. You need to agree with your spouse regarding the finances and property division and all issues related to children. Here you have a few options:
- Try to find a compromise directly with your spouse.
- Apply for a third-party mediator.
- Run a collaborative divorce, when the spouses’ attorneys elaborate a settlement, communicating on behalf of petitioner and respondent.
Whichever option you choose, it should end with a written document that lists all the terms for filing for divorce by agreement.
4. Check if You Qualify for a Do It Yourself Divorce
A DIY divorce implies submitting all required documents directly by a couple without an attorney. You will need to spend some time gathering necessary information, completing divorce papers, and visiting the local courthouse during the process. According to the requirements, this low-cost option is available for couples who:
- Agree on all aspects except staying in a marriage
- Have a simple marital estate
- Don’t have children
Sometimes a DIY divorce requires deeper consideration to avoid tax problems. If you want to go this way, make sure to consult a tax specialist or a financial advisor not to overlook any tax-related issues.
5. Consider Getting An Online Divorce
Couples with common grounds for divorce, ready to divide all property, child support, custody, and other issues without litigation, are eligible to apply for a divorce over the internet. It is entirely valid as if you do it through the court.
There are plenty of internet divorce platforms available. As a rule, they let a user fill in a questionnaire. Based on the obtained information, the system automatically generates the package of legal forms. Together with the marital settlement agreement, it sends all the papers to the court in your state. The divorce is considered completed when the court issues the final divorce decree.
You can apply for divorce online if your marriage matches the following criteria:
- The desire to get divorced is mutual for both spouses.
- Spouses do not own any significant property or financial assets.
- Spouses can reach an agreement on custody, child or spousal support, co-parenting schedule.
It is called an uncontested divorce – the easiest and cheapest type of dissolution of marriage. If you cannot agree on your financial or property matters and have arguments regarding child custody, you should look for an attorney’s assistance.
6. Share Costs With Your Spouse
Many couples that gained agreement during the divorce routine practice sharing costs. If possible, discuss this with your spouse at the beginning of the process. If both parties are interested in conducting a stress-free and fast divorce, and you find a less expensive way to run the whole process, your spouse may agree to half the expenses. Taking the most effort upon yourself works for your benefit.
7. Close Joint Accounts
Before you begin the divorce proceeding, it is reasonable to close all joint accounts, especially credit ones. If your spouse decides to overspend, you will be partly responsible for paying off the credit. Moreover, it can cost you a good credit score if it is difficult to pay off on time.
The next step after closing joint accounts is opening separate accounts in your name. It ensures you won’t have problems with your financial history due to the actions of the disgruntled spouse.
Takeaways
Being aware of available alternatives to traditional divorce practices helps to save thousands of dollars. Explore cheaper options suitable in your specific case. DIY divorce, online divorce paper builders, free attorney consultations, and thoughtful financial adjustments are excellent approaches.
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