While divorce is usually expected to be tumultuous, emotionally exhausting, and stressful, many people may unfortunately underestimate how costly it can get. Depending on the circumstances of your marriage, your divorce can end up costing you a lot of money, as well as cause additional strain on your income through alimony and a loss of some of your assets. An Illinois divorce lawyer can help you figure out how to lower your divorce costs.
How to Lower Your Divorce Costs
There are many different steps you can take to help you lower your potential divorce costs. Divorce can be a time-consuming process with many different factors to consider. Some financial elements you may not even be thinking about could get lost in the chaos. An experienced divorce lawyer can assist you in detailing everything you need to consider and help make sure you don’t leave anything out that could haunt you later.
The more emotional and one-sided a divorce is, the more expensive it is likely to become. A contested divorce is largely contested because one of the spouses feels they are not getting what they deserve. They may seek to drag the process out indefinitely in hopes that they can drain you financially or tire you out to the point that you give up. Here are some important steps you can take to try and lower your divorce costs:
- Educate Yourself on Divorce: Before deciding that a divorce is your only option to preserve your peace, you may want to start educating yourself on the divorce process and what to expect. Reach out to a knowledgeable divorce lawyer who can fill you in on the options you may have. Research the divorce laws in Illinois so you aren’t blindsided by anything your spouse’s lawyer may try to do.
- Try to Seek an Uncontested Divorce: This step may be easier said than done, and there are never any guarantees that this will even be an option for you. An uncontested divorce is considerably cheaper than a contested one because both partners are on the same page and agree to work the divorce out amicably. It’s a much easier and cheaper process. If it is possible for you and your spouse to reach a compromise, try to make that happen.
- Mediation: If you are unable to resolve your differences amongst one another, you may want to consider sitting down with a mediator in order to avoid a lengthy and expensive court process. Mediation is the use of a third party, usually a lawyer, who is neutral and can assist both parties in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement outside of a courtroom.
The more a couple is able to talk through their grievances and reach a compromise, the more money they may be able to save by avoiding court.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: It is not unusual to get so caught up in the emotional side of divorce that you end up ignoring the logical side of things. You may want to consider spending some time on a cost-benefit analysis to really consider how much everything is going to cost you if you continue moving forward at your current rate.
If you cannot see an obvious connection between your actions and achieving the goal of divorce, avoid that action.
- Avoid Litigation: Ultimately, the most effective way to lower your divorce costs is to avoid litigation as much as possible. Deciding on your divorce in court should be viewed as a last resort only to be used if you are totally unable to reach any sort of compromise through mediation or negotiation. Litigation can get painful, personal, and expensive.
FAQs
Q: Why Is a Divorce So Expensive?
A: Divorce is not always expensive, but it can get quite pricey. If you are able to file an uncontested divorce with your partner’s assistance, a divorce may not cost you much. It is only when the divorce is contested that you end up having to pay quite a bit in court costs, loss of assets, and potential alimony payments. The more assets you have, the harder it can be to split them up between spouses.
Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Illinois?
A: There is no telling how much a divorce lawyer might cost in Illinois. Every divorce case is different, with each case having its own specific circumstances and details that make it unique. Since each divorce case is different, the lawyer’s fee will be different, too. A lawyer’s fee is typically decided depending on their education, experience, availability, resources, and the complexity of the case.
Q: What Is the Most Effective Way to Reduce the Cost of Your Divorce?
A: One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of your divorce is to cooperate with your spouse, reach a mutually beneficial agreement, and pursue an uncontested divorce. If you are able to work out custody arrangements, alimony payments, parenting plans, and asset division together outside of a courtroom, it will cost you so much less in the long run.
Q: Wouldn’t I Save Money by Not Hiring a Lawyer?
A: Yes, you would save money on your divorce by not hiring a lawyer. If you want to try and navigate the complexities of your divorce on your own, there is nothing stopping you from doing so. However, your spouse may hire a lawyer to defend them, and the last thing you want is to be caught unprepared. It is recommended that you always at least consult a lawyer anytime you are dealing with legal strife.
Reach Out to a Skilled Divorce Lawyer Today
When you decide that the only way forward for your marriage is a divorce, it is understandable to want to avoid financial strain as much as possible. Depending on your circumstances, you may not be able to avoid spending a lot of money to break free of your marriage. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you figure out promising ways to reduce costs.
The legal team at Stange Law Firm understands how difficult the divorce process can be. We can help you work out a plan that’s affordable for you. Contact us to speak with a team member today.
