If you are considering a divorce, you probably realize that the process is likely to include a number of necessary expenses. You may be required to pay for filing fees and court costs, not to mention the cost of financial experts, a guardian ad litem, or other professionals who may contribute to your case. Of course, hiring an attorney can be costly and, if you are not careful, the expenses related to your divorce can quickly add up, leaving you to pay much more than you ever expected.
Setting Realistic Expectations
There are many ways to reduce the costs associated with divorce, and you can take proactive steps before the process even begins. The most important thing you can do to limit how much you will spend on your divorce is to develop goals and objectives that are reasonable and attainable. This means determining the portion of the marital estate you would like to receive and the level of parental responsibilities you would like to have allocated while keeping your expectations realistic.
For example, if your spouse is a good parent to your children and responsible role model for them, refusing to settle for anything less than sole decision-making authority over your children and all of the parenting time is not exactly a realistic goal. If not agreed upon, such a position is likely to result in a long, drawn-out battle costing you a great deal more money.
Prioritize and Compromise
Once you have set realistic goals for your divorce, you should then decide which of them are the most important. By prioritizing certain issues and offering flexibility on others, you and your spouse may be able to reach an agreement relatively quickly, saving time and money in the process. If you choose to stand your ground on every little detail and refuse to offer anything in return, your expenses are likely to increase accordingly.
Informal Negotiations
Depending on the relationship that you currently have with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, you may be able to begin discussing your eventual settlement very early in the process. While you may not have the background or legal knowledge to address certain details, any progress you can make toward a resolution will be helpful down the road. If you and your spouse can develop a rough outline of an agreement, your attorneys can help you with the remaining concerns, often at a great savings to you.
Call a St. Charles Family Lawyer
To learn more about the process of divorce in Illinois and how to keep your costs under control, contact an experienced divorce attorney in Kane County. Call the offices of MKFM Law at 630-665-7300 today to schedule a confidential consultation. We understand that finances are a concern in many divorce cases, and we will help you develop a workable plan for your unique circumstances.
Source:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/emmajohnson/2015/12/29/getting-divorced-5-ways-to-save-thousands-of-dollars/
