Divorce is not cheap, even in the best of circumstances. Paying attorneys’ fees on an hourly basis can get expensive, especially when there are children involved or when both partners own a substantial amount of property. If you are planning on getting divorced, there are ways to keep the price tag from getting out of control if you are willing to work with your soon-to-be-ex.
Minimize Conflict
The most important thing couples can do to decrease their legal fees is to resolve to put aside their differences and work together on the divorce. Spouses who cannot compromise with each other end up spending the most money on their divorce because their attorneys are required to file motions and attend hearings to resolve minor issues. Every hearing that an attorney must attend will cost both time and money. If both partners can agree to negotiate the terms of their divorce outside of court, the costs will be substantially less.
Embrace Mediations
Mediation is one of the ways that couples can resolve their differences with minimal court involvement. If both spouses take mediation seriously and use that time to divide property or negotiate a parenting plan, then these issues will not need to be resolved by a judge in court. Mediation is one of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of divorce.
Consider Collaborative Divorce
Rather than pursuing a traditional divorce, couples can choose a collaborative divorce. This type of divorce is similar to a mediation or arbitration but is conducted almost entirely outside of court. As a result, collaborative divorce can be cheaper and faster than a traditional divorce, if both spouses commit to working together.
During a collaborative divorce, both spouses hire their own attorney and attend mediation meetings to resolve the issues in their case. After reaching a divorce settlement, the agreement is filed with the court where a judge will approve it.
At Pacific Northwest Family Law, we understand that you may have concerns about being able to afford your divorce. Our attorneys can help you create a plan for your divorce that minimizes the amount of time you have to spend in court and will work with you to keep your expenses low. We are trained in collaborative divorce and mediation techniques and will help you and your former partner negotiate an agreement that works best for your family.
To schedule your initial consultation, contact Pacific Northwest Family Law today by calling us at 877-738-0777.
