Many people who are contemplating a divorce start looking for a way to save money. With the small expenses that can add up in a divorce the costs can be enormous. How can someone possibly afford a divorce? With all of the daily costs of life, plus expenses of a divorce it can become a budget crunch for many. With the quest to save money, is it even possible to find a cheap divorce?
The simple answer is no. The reason for this is because when you consider all of the changes and expenses associated with a divorce they are never cheap. If you are only looking to save money off the actual divorce procedure itself then this is possible. One of the best ways to save money off your divorce is if you and your spouse are able to agree on the terms of the divorce. This means that you would be eligible to find an uncontested divorce where you have both agreed.
In the land of divorces, an uncontested is as much as 75% cheaper than a contested divorce. The reason for this is because in a contested divorce, the spouses are unable to decide upon how to split assets, property, or even custody matters. It is these disputes over property and assets that generally cause the costs of a divorce to rise. Add matters involving custody, visitation and child support and the expense of a divorce can double.
How can a child dispute add so much to the cost of a divorce?
Easily, by simply needing to ensure that the needs of the child are met. Regardless of whether you and your spouse agree to a divorce and all of the terms, a divorce that involves children no matter how well you agree to terms is going to be more expensive and take longer to complete.
You may be confused as to why it still takes longer if you are agreeable to all of the terms and conditions. The reason is because courts want to ensure that the needs of the children are being meet, they also want to ensure that all of the details are worked out to ensure fewer battles later on. It is because of this need that divorces always take longer when children are involved.
So what is someone supposed to do that is looking for a cheap divorce?
First, start off talking to your spouse. Regardless of whether you have children or not, agreeing to as many terms as possible will save money, you will spend less time talking to lawyers, and in court. Even a reduction of court expenses because of minimal court dates can add up to huge savings. To really help reduce the expenses associated with a divorce and make it much cheaper you can also consider representing yourself.
If you represent yourself in your divorce it is much cheaper than hiring a lawyer. However, in order to be adequately protected by representing yourself this option should only be considered if you and your spouse are able to agree on how to split the assets and property of the divorce. If your divorce is contested and there is a lot of property, or even children to be fought over, then you should consider using a divorce attorney.
To help make a divorce cheaper there are other options you can consider as well. Shop around; find a lawyer who will allow you to see their billing contract before signing it. This will allow you to see exactly what they charge for, and what they do not charge for. Many times, the small fees that lawyers charge will cost more than the actual divorce itself. These fees can include filing fees, and copying fees. Click here for more information on divorce costs.
Another process that can potentially make a divorce cheaper is to find a lawyer that will take payment plans. This still allows you to find a good lawyer that is knowledgeable, which is an absolute necessity when dealing with a contested divorce, as well as still be cheaper and affordable into your budget. There are many lawyers who will work out payment plans, and you are sure to find one that you feel comfortable working with.
As you can see, a divorce can be a very lengthy process. In order to find a cheap divorce you would need to represent yourself, as well as have an uncontested divorce with no children. Otherwise, it is possible to save some money off the entire procedure while still having a successful divorce.
Here are additional resources you might be interested in:
Divorce Information in the USA
If you're in the USA and there's no property or finances to settle, then you can do it yourself. There's a number of places online where you can carry out a divorce (which is much cheaper than going through the courts and lawyers).
Legal Zoom's 3-Step Divorce Process can provide quick and easy online divorces.
Divorce Information in Australia
If you plan to get a divorce in Australia, the
Aussie Divorce Services can guide you.
Divorce Information in the UK
Divorce Information in Canada
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