Divorce can be extremely expensive. However, many Americans do not pinpoint the exact reason for this. Many believe that the reason divorce is expensive is due to potential alimony or child support payments.
In reality, the process of divorce itself can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars prior to anything having to do with post-divorce payments. Two ways to ensure that you save as much as possible on your divorce are to do as much as you can on your own, and to ensure that you carefully consider your communications with your divorce attorney.
Try to DIY
Of course, nobody expects you to produce your own legal brief. However, divorce, like many other forms of litigation and dispute, is primarily a financial process. This means that your divorce attorney is going to need access to all of your assets, both individual and marital.
The divorce attorney can do all of the research on his or her own, but this will end up costing you more money. If you can act as a “go for” for your divorce attorney, you will save a lot in terms of billable hours.
Pause before you call
Some things are best discussed with your attorney over the phone. However, it is not a good idea to call your divorce attorney to complain directly about your ex-spouse. Divorce is a very emotional process and you will likely need comprehensive emotional support during this time. However, that support should come from trusted friends and family or professional counselors.
Keep your communications with your attorney succinct and professional. Again, the less time it takes your attorney to handle your divorce, the less expensive your divorce is.