According to studies by the University of Washington, most divorces come after the winter holidays. For many people who are dissatisfied with their marriages and not sure what to do, the holidays are an opportunity to perhaps turn things around. If it doesn’t happen, however, unhappy spouses may feel ready to call it quits once the season ends.
Unfortunately, the holidays are often associated with large amounts of money being spent on food, gifts, and trips. Once the season is over, couples may not have the financial resources to file a divorce. Luckily, our Jacksonville divorce lawyers at Owenby Law, P.A. understands what it takes for struggling couples to get the results they desire.
The following are five effective ways to lower the cost of divorce:
- Choose the right attorney. You want a lawyer that has years of experience dealing with family law matters and has successfully obtained favorable outcomes for their clients. Not only does the right attorney protect your best interests throughout the proceedings, but also find ways to save you money.
- Be mindful of the time you spend with your lawyer. Time equals money. Essentially, you can reduce your legal fees by dealing with your attorney in a cost-saving manner. If an issue arises between you and your spouse, attempt to settle the matter directly with your spouse before giving your lawyer a call. Your attorney doesn’t have to solve all of your problems, rather speak with their paralegal for any simple legal issues or their secretary for simple questions such as when is the next hearing scheduled.
- Reach an agreement on all issues, if possible. The more you and your spouse can agree on divorce matters, including property division, alimony, and child custody, the lower the cost of your divorce.
- Know the assets and debts you possess. If your spouse takes care of all the finances, you might be in the dark about what you have and what you owe. Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure you are aware of all of your open credit accounts. Hire an appraiser to appraise your property to determine their value.
- Avoid court litigation. Not only is court litigation a costly and lengthy battle, there is a chance you might not get the outcome you want. Instead, hire a mediator to help you and your spouse reach an agreement which is acceptable to you both.
If you are interested in filing for divorce in Florida, schedule a free initial consultation with our Jacksonville divorce lawyer at Owenby Law, P.A. today.