The average cost of divorce in the U.S. is between $15,000 and $20,000. Nonetheless, drawn-out divorce proceedings can stretch to much more than that.
Divorce can be stressful, so the last thing you want to deal with is mounting expenses. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the cost of your divorce. Here are three things to consider.
Keep it out of court
You don’t have to battle out every aspect of your divorce in court. In fact, you don’t even need to fight with your spouse on the most important aspects like child custody and property division.
If you and your spouse agree on a custody schedule, and it meets the best interests of the child, then the court can sign off on it quickly. The same can be said if you and your spouse agree upon an equitable way to distribute marital property.
Have your paperwork ready
Being organized is crucial for an efficient divorce. Make sure you have looked out your marriage certificate, tax returns, property deeds and bank and credit card statements. Not having these documents ready can mean another court date, which extends the length and expense of your divorce.
Set your priorities
The reality is that nobody can leave with absolutely everything they want after divorce. It’s important that spouses set priorities. For example, things like child custody may be less negotiable as each parent will want to spend regular and meaningful time with the child. Property, on the other hand, may not all be important. For instance, are you really that concerned about who gets the record collection?
Cooperation and organization are the keys to an efficient and less expensive divorce. Seeking legal guidance can help you stay on the right track.