Divorce does not have to cost you thousands and thousands of dollars. There are lots of ways to cut costs, reduce expenses, and still get the legal representation you need. This practical guide is packed with specific tips that help you trim costs, slash legal fees, and get through your divorce without going broke. Did you know that where your lawyer is located is one huge factor in the cost of your divorce? Were you aware that you can do a lot of the legwork for your lawyer, reducing your legal fees? Other tips discuss mediation, do it yourself settlements, paralegals, and services and expenses you probably don’t need and can say no to. Take control of your divorce and protect your hard earned money.
Table of Contents
UNDERSTANDING THE COSTS
Choosing Your Process
Traditional Divorce
Mediation
Collaborative Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
CHOOSING YOUR PROFESSIONAL
Lawyers
Paralegals
Mediators
WORKING TOGETHER WITH YOUR SPOUSE TO REDUCE COSTS
SHIFTING LEGAL COSTS TO YOUR SPOUSE
Replace Alimony with Legal Payments
Shift Legal Work to Your Spouse’s Lawyer
DO-IT-YOURSELF DIVORCE
MANAGING THE PROCESS TO HOLD DOWN COSTS
Depositions
Paring Down the Witness List
Contact with Your Lawyer
Retrieve Financial Documents
Organize Evidence
Agree on Child Support
Division of Household Items
REDUCING OTHER COSTS
401(k) Fees
Divorce Financial Planner or Forensic Accountant
Psychologist/Therapist
Service of Process
Selling Real Estate
Capital Gains Taxes
Tax Advice
Social Security
Appraisers
Parenting Classes
Change Utility Accounts
Close Joint Accounts
Do Your Divorce in Pieces
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