No one ever says that divorce is inexpensive, and that’s part of the reason why couples end up spending thousands of dollars. However, it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. As an online divorce review site, we know this because we see viable options from both DIY and attorney standpoints in the websites that we cover. With that in mind, we’ve put together our list of the best ways to control your costs throughout a divorce.
One: Learn about filing costs.
If you and your spouse are on a budget and you would like to get through the divorce as cheaply as possible, then you must first be aware of ALL costs associated with the divorce. Whether you use an attorney or a DIY service, this is a bill you’ll have to pay. We recommend going down to your local courthouse to see what the filing fees are. If you’re a little savvier, then you can probably find the costs on the court website or in with the forms that you will find on a DIY service — see this My Divorce Papers review for more details.
Two: Decide the best option — DIY vs. Attorney.
Many people are intimidated by the thought of handling the divorce themselves, and that’s fine if not a bit unnecessary. Sites like My Divorce Papers (referenced above) have a guided, step-by-step approach that allow you to complete all the necessary paperwork in under an hour. Still, if you’re intent on finding an attorney to handle your case, there are other websites that you’ll find in our online divorce reviews that offer attorney referral services. That way you won’t spend all day looking for a competent and affordable attorney.
Three: Get Along.
The reason why most divorces get out of control have little to do with attorneys or forms confusion and everything to do with couples who fight over everything. One couple even made the news recently for spending 18 years in litigation over their divorce. Eighteen years! If you can both learn compromise and respect, you can get through the divorce even if you seriously don’t like one another.
Follow the three steps listed above, and your divorce won’t cost you nearly as much as you’re worried that it might. Good luck!