In Colorado, divorce costs more than $11,000, which can already be a significant dent in anyone’s finances. This figure can still increase with the average cost of lawyer fees varying widely across the United States.
Divorce by itself is challenging enough, even without the financial strain that comes with it. This is why going through this process with enough knowledge and awareness can significantly make the situation more manageable. Here are three ways you can manage or even reduce divorce costs.
Choose mediation over litigation
Opting for mediation instead of going straight to court is one of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of your divorce. Mediation involves you and your spouse working with a neutral third party to come to an agreement. This process not only tends to be faster and less adversarial than litigation, but it is also significantly cheaper.
Be organized and prepared
A sizable amount of money spent in divorce goes to the hours your attorney works on your case. This means that the more organized and prepared you are, the less time your attorney spends sorting through documents and information. Before meeting with your divorce attorney, make sure that you prepare all necessary financial documents, such as bank statements, tax returns and property deeds.
Keep communications efficient
Every hour you spend talking with your attorney is an additional cost included in your bill, so it is vital to keep your communication as efficient as possible. Gather your thoughts and write down all the queries you might have before reaching out to your attorney. It is also crucial to remember that your attorney’s role is to represent you in the divorce and not act as a therapist. Airing out grievances to your attorney can take up precious time and cost you more money than necessary.
Divorce is never easy, but managing costs can significantly make the process less stressful. Considering these strategies and working with a divorce attorney who understands your financial concerns can help you navigate this process most effectively.