One of the top fears faced in a divorce relates to finances. While property
division does weigh heavy in couple’s minds, the main fear is about
how much the
divorce itself is going to cost. Even for couples who have children, their anxieties
about the expenses involved in the process are only eclipsed by worries about
child custody. The good news is that you have a lot of control over the bottom line
in your divorce. If you can keep your costs down, you can be free of at
least one pressing concern as you face this time of upheaval, and you
can set yourself up for a stronger future.
1. First of all, you could save yourself invaluable time and money by choosing
the right lawyer. Some divorcees have had the unfortunate urge to hire
an expensive lawyer who will drag the divorce into a courtroom battle
in order to squeeze every cent possible from their ex. This could leave
them paying an hourly rate of $400. It is important to know that no one
really wins a divorce, and divorce litigation is one way to make things
turn nasty. Try to be cool and collected, and to stay within your budget.
You can find an affordable divorce lawyer who is also committed to upholding
your best interests, getting a mutually satisfactory
divorce settlement instead of a contentious divorce trial.
2. Yet even a settlement can turn sour. If neither spouse is willing to budge
toward a compromise, you can keep accruing legal bills with every conference.
If you keep things peaceable, however, not only are you saving yourself
needless pain and stress, but needless legal fees too. The quicker you
can negotiate a divorce, the sooner you can move on with your life, and
with more money in your pocket as well.
3. You also need to provide full financial disclosure, not keeping back any
information on your assets and debts. Not only will this keep things fair,
but it will keep things legal. If a judge finds that there has been any
withholding of financial information, you would be hit hard fines and
even criminal penalties. Doing good will be good for you (the same goes
for meeting
support payments fully and on time).
4. Also, be wise in how you use your time with a lawyer. Get the most out
of every meeting, so you do not have to pay for any more meetings than
you need to. Especially in the initial consultation, you want to get as
many of your questions answered as possible. If you keep your time with
your lawyer to the bare necessities, you will save yourself a good deal
in legal fees. Just make sure that you are not skimping on the legal counsel
you need just to save a buck; this could hurt you financially in the long
run too. It will be up to you to find the right balance.
5. Finally, you need to close your joint accounts, especially any joint credit
cards. Otherwise, you could be liable for your ex’s debt. You should
each open up your own accounts, each taking with you the debt that you
are responsible for, and nothing more. Your credit score will thank you.
When you need a Raleigh divorce lawyer who can achieve a swift and fair
divorce settlement, one who is committed to you and your family’s
best interests, look no further than Hopper Law Office. Learn how
our legal team may be able to help you when you
contact us today!