But fortunately, you’re able to control how much the divorce can cost. There ARE ways on how you can cut costs throughout the process, minimizing the fees while keeping your finances stable. So read on as I show you six ways to reduce your legal fees during a divorce!
Six Ways to Reduce Your Legal Fees during a Divorce
If you’re about to begin the process or are in the middle of the divorce process, there are ways to cut costs. Here are the following tips to reduce the legal fees, which can help you put what you save towards other important matters.1. Educate Yourself on Legalities
Make sure that you learn as much as you can about the legalities and details of a divorce. You should also learn about al later related issues on it, which can help you select the right attorney. This also quickens the process and has you prevent making mistakes or to get out of messes you may have made.So do your researches on the different divorce laws in your state, what you’re eligible for, as well as different cases within your area? It’s best to search for advice, information on divorce issues, and to prepare for anything that may happen.
2. Do NOT Litigate
If you want to save as much money as you can, do NOT litigate, as much as possible. This helps you save money rather than giving everything to a lawyer! You can try different ways to get a divorce, such as negotiation, mediation, or a collaborative divorce. There are settlement conferences, but it’s best not to litigate.Why? Litigation is destructive and very expensive, as well as slow, so it’s best used as a last resort. It’s best to only use litigation for when you’re desperate and can’t agree with the other party.
3. Consider Collaborative Divorce
While it’s best to NOT go for litigation, you should try to opt for a collaborative divorce, if you can. This has you benefit the legal expertise without needing an entire court battle. This type of creative problem-solving method can help you resolve issues to get what you want without the huge legal costs.I also recommend that you’re open to compromise rather than to fight and add fuel to the fire with emotions. Compromise, be open to negotiations and take things with a leveled head.
4. Communicate With Your Spouse
For those who aren’t able to have civil conversations with your spouse about the legal issues, let your attorney talk for you.But as much as possible, it’s best that you communicate with your spouse openly and that you do so with respect. This saves you time in the process of agreeing with what you both want and get. It also saves you having to make your attorney talk to your spouse, which racks up on expenses. Remember, you’re paying for your attorney’s time!
Also, before you start hiring professionals, try to talk rationally and save money by talking with each other first, if possible. Get things covered together and make a list of everything both you and your spouse agree with. This gives attorneys an idea on what to fight for and what you can get, saving time and costs.
5. Never Sign Blank Checks
When you have an agreement with your attorney who calls for hourly billing, it’s just like signing blank checks. Hourly billing will just give you more billings! Instead, get a lawyer who tells you how much the case is, offering fixed fees and NOT hourly expenses.Also, monitor the different costs that you may incur throughout the process. This can help prevent paying even more or you can also prepare for such costs and see what else you can do to save on such costs.
6. Create a Cost-Benefit Analysis
Lastly, do NOT get your emotions in the way and analyze everything, using a cost-benefit perspective. For example, don’t spend $500 on an attorney to get a $200 oven! Think before you spend!Wrapping It Up
I hope that my article on the different ways to reduce our legal fees during a divorce helped you out! So if you’re still in the process of looking for a lawyer, click this link to learn more and find the right one for you.If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences on the matter, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated!
