How to Minimize the Legal Costs of Divorce
People who are considering divorce are often reluctant to start the process because they think it will be too expensive. In some cases, the very facts of a case increase the cost of divorce, such as if you are ordered to pay child custody or alimony. Even without these issues present, though, you will still likely have to pay legal fees, which will add to the cost of divorce. While it is recommended that everyone works with an Orlando divorce lawyer when ending their marriage, there are ways to protect your rights while still reducing the cost.
Contact Your Lawyer Only When Necessary
It is important that you choose the right divorce lawyer, which includes making sure that they will contact you anytime there is a change in the status of your case. Unless you have a pressing situation, you should try not to contact your attorney just to ask for an update. If a hearing is scheduled or your spouse has sent a response, your lawyer will notify you. Every time you contact your attorney, they will likely charge you for it, as most lawyers bill for any time they talk to you via email or a phone call.
Still, you will have many questions during divorce, and you deserve to have them answered. Instead of contacting your lawyer every time you have a question, write them down. Then when you do speak to your lawyer, ask them all at once, which can help reduce legal fees.
Provide Documents as Soon as Possible
Your divorce lawyer will ask you for many different documents, such as bank statements, tax returns, life insurance policies, and more. It is important that you do not put off collecting these documents and that you provide your attorney with them as soon as possible. Again, if your lawyer has to contact you regularly for them or chase them down themselves, they are going to charge you more for it.
Make the Most of Mediation
Litigation is by far the most expensive way to get a divorce. Fortunately, many couples are able to resolve their divorce disputes during mediation, which is a required process for most Florida divorces. During mediation, a neutral mediator will help you and your spouse reach an agreement about the different aspects of your divorce. Mediation can greatly lower the cost of your divorce, but it is important to enter into it with an open mind. If you are not willing to compromise and communicate, mediation will not work and your divorce will cost much more.
Call Our Divorce Lawyers in Orlando for a Free Consultation
A great way to lower the cost of your divorce right from the beginning is to work with an Orlando divorce lawyer who provides free consultations. At Anderson & Ferrin, P.A., we are always happy to review your case for free so you can obtain the sound legal advice you need. Call us now at 407-412-7041 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0044/0044.html
