Legal Fees and Divorce: How To Manage Costs

Divorce is emotional and the burden of legal fees can add to the stress. With careful planning you can manage and minimize these costs. Here’s a guide on navigating legal fees during a divorce.

1. Choosing the Right Attorney: One of the most important parts of managing the legal fees is choosing the right attorney. Look for an attorney who has good reviews and a track record of handling cases similar to yours. Many attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation to determine if they are the right attorney for your case.
2. Understanding Billing Practices: Transparency in billing is important for understanding what you’re being charged for. Request detailed invoices that break down the services and how much time was spent on each thing. Be aware of retainer fees and how they are applied to your case. 
3. Budget For Legal Fees: Create a budget to help estimate how much money you will need for legal fees. You should research the total legal fees you might incur and create a separate account with the funds needed to pay for the fees. 
4. Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution: Traditional litigation isn’t always the answer for a divorce. There are multiple alternatives such as mediation, arbitration, and collaborative divorce.
5. Effective Communication with Your Attorney: Communicating regularly with your attorney can help to minimize time and costs. You can be prepared by having all the documents and paperwork you need, compiling your questions, and focusing on the most critical issues. 

Let me be your financial advocate as you navigate the divorce process. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, CDFA® I can help you avoid costly mistakes and educate you on current and future budgets, provide a financial road map, and help you understand what assets you have, what you spend, where you spend it, and more. It’s important to have a great team on your side when you’re going through a divorce. 

You don't have to go through this alone.

Contact me today at 716-800-4290 to schedule your first appointment.