There are many reasons why a couple chooses to remain married longer than they’d like. Some decide to stay together for the kids or fear moving on from one another. Another reason why someone may remain married for longer than they’d prefer? Finances.
Hollywood often portrays divorce as a costly legal matter that you’ll be left broke after. Though some divorce cases can be more costly than others, the average divorce won’t leave you broke when it’s all said and done, especially when you hire a reputable, experienced law firm like The Kuhl Law Firm, LLC.
Continue reading to learn if you can afford a divorce, what to expect financially if you do divorce, and how our family law attorneys can help.
What Does it Cost to Get a Divorce?
One of the first thoughts someone going through a divorce has is how much it costs to get a divorce. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as every divorce case is unique, and no two are the same. What makes each divorce case different? Several things can affect the final cost of divorce: if it’s contested or uncontested, if misconduct occurred, and whether the divorce is resolved in mediation or goes to trial.
A contested divorce is when one or both spouses disagree on the terms of their divorce, such as dividing assets, a parenting plan, spousal maintenance, etc. Most divorces are uncontested, but some are contested if the couple simply can’t agree on certain things, and the case must go to trial. A contested divorce is often more expensive since it takes longer to finalize and requires court fees. Uncontested divorces are often quicker and can be settled outside of court through mediation.
Misconduct is when one spouse’s misconduct negatively impacts the marriage and often leads to divorce. Though Missouri is a modified no-fault state, some cases may want to prove misconduct when it comes to alimony/maintenance and property division. Oftentimes, the spouse who did the misconduct will be ordered to pay the increase in attorney fees since their conduct was why you incurred them.
A divorce case that’s resolved in mediation is less expensive than one that goes to trial. When a case goes to trial, there’s more time needed to prepare and things to add to discovery versus a case handled in mediation. Extra time spent on a divorce case results in a higher cost, so if both parties can agree on certain aspects of the divorce, like spousal maintenance, child custody, and the division of property, it’s often less expensive to go to mediation.
How to Save Money When Getting a Divorce
It’s natural to want to save money, especially when you are going through a divorce and finances are a little more complicated. Both the petitioner and the respondent in a divorce case may look for ways to save money through the process, and luckily, it can be done by the following:
Track Your Expenses
Going through a divorce will require extra expenses compared to your day-to-day life. However, you can combat these extra fees by tracking your expenses. Pay attention to your bank account and try to cut unnecessary things like those specialty coffees and lunches out until your divorce is settled.
Hire a Reputable Divorce Attorney
Yes, hiring a divorce attorney does cost money, but trying to do everything yourself can cost you more money in the long run. Choosing to represent yourself could result in inaccurate paperwork filed with the court, which can be expensive to correct. Also, hiring a reputable divorce attorney like The Kuhl Law Firm, LLC means you have an entire team on your side to help get you the best possible result. We’re experts when it comes to how the legal system works and what/when to file anything pertaining to your case.
Reconcile With Your Spouse
While it seems difficult, reconciling with your spouse can save you money. Divorces can incur extra fees if the case gets dragged out by both parties disagreeing on the terms of divorce. Reconciling with your spouse and putting your differences aside can result in a less costly divorce and a faster one. Plus, if you have children together, the ultimate goal should be to have a successful co-parenting relationship; reconciling now will help improve your relationship.
While going through a divorce can mean extra fees, it is possible to regain financial independence post-divorce.
Why Hire The Kuhl Law Firm, LLC?
With over fifty-three years of combined legal experience, our family law firm is comprised of a team that’s skilled in both negotiation and litigation, handling family law matters from the most complex to the most straightforward. Our team of zealous attorneys will handle your case with expert knowledge and professionalism. We also provide mediation services in our office for an efficient and easier way to solve issues that relate to your divorce. We can also travel for the benefit of all involved.
If you’re currently going through a divorce, the The Kuhl Law Firm, LLC can help. We’re dedicated to the practice of family law and can help guide you through the entire process. Our office is located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. In addition to our physical location, our firm’s family and divorce attorneys have practiced in Jackson, Clay, Cass, Lafayette, and Platte County, Missouri. Contact our family law firm today to schedule a consultation – we can meet in person or via Zoom.