August 30, 2019

How To Keep Costs Down During A Divorce

Here are 5 important tips to save you money during a divorce.

Unless your divorce is completely amicable, it can be very costly. But there are a number of things you can control to help keep those costs down.

1. Ask yourself: is it worth it? If you're arguing about every piece of personal property and furniture purchased during your marriage, be prepared to pay the price. At the end of the day, those items are purely material and can be replaced, and if you're digging your heels in for other reasons, remember this: Spite is expensive and gets you nowhere. Fight the battles that really matter like custody and child support or retirement funds.

2. Don't call your attorney every time your soon-to-be-ex does something you don't like. Most attorneys bill in 6 minute increments and round up. If they charge $300.00 per hour and you're constantly calling, that first invoice you receive will be several pages long with each telephone call at $30.00 each (for a simple 6 minute call)! If you want to gripe, seek a therapist.

3. Don't take "legal" advice from friends, family, or coworkers just because they've been through a divorce. This typically prompts an angry phone call to your attorney just because you think your attorney isn't fighting hard for you. I get a number of calls just for this reason. Many times what the client is angry about doesn't even apply in their case. Always remember: Every case is different, including yours.

4. When it comes to mediation, be open-minded. It is said that the only people happy after a divorce trial are the attorneys. Why? We're being paid because our clients refuse to compromise. Granted, every case is different and some cases need to be tried. However, if you find yourself in mediation arguing over who gets the bedroom set in the 3rd guest bedroom, you'll end up paying your attorneys more than what the set is even worth.

5. When it comes to court appearances, be prepared and be on time. Only answer the questions asked of you. Assist your attorney in making the trial as clear and concise as possible. Not only will the judge appreciate your efforts, you'll spend less billable time in court.

Divorce can be costly, but if you follow these simple tips, you will save money.

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