A divorce can be costly… but, there are plenty of ways to keep costs low when you’re going through the process. Doing so will help you save money for the future, finish up more quickly, and not leave with such a bad taste in your mouth. Sure, this sounds idealistic. But, with a little hard work and patience, it might just become the best route for you and yours…
How to Keep Costs Low During Divorce: Saving Money and Time for Your New Life
Keep it all-business
Checking your emotions at the door can save you big. Why is that? Well, because emotions sometimes make your decisions for you. So, maybe a few days ago you were ready to part ways with some of the material stuff. But, you’re angry on day 1 of mediation, so you change your mind. Bringing emotions into the mix take up a lot of time, and make deciding on things a little more difficult. So, if you can both agree to make reasonable decisions and be productive— you’ll save money by saving time.
Commit to the timeline
You have a lot of deadlines and paperwork to sort through during a divorce. From support, to assets, and beyond— it can take a while to sort through. So, don’t drag it out any more than you have to. You set a meeting? Don’t push it back. An attorney’s time costs money. So, be courteous, efficient, and timely when it comes to meetings and providing documentation. Deadlines are extremely important when it comes to divorce costs.
Be flexible
Mediation is hard; especially if you’re trying to make out like a bandit with your belongings. So, have expectations— but not too many. Make a list of things that are a necessity to you, things you’d like to have but are willing to negotiate on, and things you want the other to have. While this list will not be set in stone, it’s important to have a starting point for negotiation so that you move along a bit quicker. Be flexible, and reasonable, when it comes to your expectations.
Divorce is tough, but so is forking out a ton of cash
A divorce can go on as long as you let it. So, spending too much time dwelling on assets, alimony, or making the proceedings more difficult— will ultimately only hurt you and your spouse. Remember, what’s mine is yours only ends when the marriage does. So, be smart, be reasonable, and commit to the process. Doing so, will make everything move much more quickly. We wish you luck!