Divorce should not be hard on your wallet.A lot of divorces cost a lot because spouses end up in court.Limit the number of issues you and your spouse disagree on to reduce costs.If you need a lawyer, it's a good idea to shop around and find one who charges a reasonable rate.
Step 1: Time to discuss the divorce.
You can focus on your divorce when the children are not around.Take notes about what you agree on and compare them at the end of the meeting.It is not likely that you will resolve all issues at once.
Step 2: Agree with alimony.
Alimony is the amount of money one spouse pays to the other to cushion the economic effects of divorce.It's also called maintenance or support.Many jurisdiction have moved away from alimony in order to allow one spouse to get back on their feet.It is possible to reach an agreement on the length and amount of alimony.If you want to get a good paying job, you need to finish college.You can attend school full-time if your ex makes monthly alimony payments.The costs of your divorce will increase if you can't agree on this issue.
Step 3: Who will have child custody?
Child custody disputes can cost a lot.Come to an agreement about who will have custody.Legal custody means that one parent has the power to make decisions about medical care, education, and religious upbringing.One parent has sole physical custody, while the other parent is allowed to visit.Each jurisdiction has a different law.The concept of sole physical custody is no longer recognized by some.You can find divorce laws in your state online.
Step 4: You can arrange a schedule.
The non-custodial parent should be involved in their child's life.Have the kids visit every other weekend and during the holidays.Take a moment to write down your schedule.You want to resolve as many issues as possible, such as who will bring your children to visit, what happens if the children get sick, and so on.
Step 5: An agreement can be reached on child support.
The non-custodial parent needs to support their children.Every state in the U.S. uses a formula to decide child support.You can find a formula online.The non-custodial parent should pay the minimum.Judges rarely allow a parent to pay less than the formula requires, so make sure the amount meets this minimumAccount for any unusual expenses.A disabled child may need extra medical care.These expenses should be paid for by the non-custodial parent.The judge will require you to pay child support regardless of how involved you are.
Step 6: You need to identify your property.
As a married couple, the judge will need to divide your assets.You will save a lot of time and money if you can reach an agreement.Read your applicable law when defining marital property.The person whose name is on the title, deed, or registration document is the owner of the property.When a couple is married, community property rules are applied, where anything bought while the couple was married typically belongs to both.Anything you brought into the marriage is not community property.Don't make any large purchases or sell off assets as you navigate the divorce.Don't make assumptions about how to use assets that you share, like a joint savings account.
Step 7: You should divide your property.
Real estate, investment accounts, retirement accounts and cash are some of the types of property that you might have with your spouse.There is risk in each type of property.If you take the wrong kind of asset, you will lose money in the long run.Depending on the property, there could be tax implications.Before you sign your settlement agreement, talk to an accountant or attorney about the issues.
Step 8: You need to divide your debts.
Write out your debts.If you want to see what debts you have, you'll need a copy of your credit report.Common law and community property are the same when it comes to defining debts.A debt in a common law state is owned by the person who signed it.For debts that benefit the entire family, there are exceptions.Even if only one spouse signed for the debt, it is still the property of the couple.During the marriage, the debt must have been incurred.It's important that you have a clear understanding of what bills are in place and how you'll divide them.To make sure you're on the same page, put that agreement in writing.
Step 9: If it's necessary, use mediation.
You may not be able to agree on every issue.If not, consider mediation.You and your spouse will meet with a neutral party in mediation.The mediation will try to help you reach an agreement.If your court has a mediation program, you can contact it.Many mediators are lawyers, so you can call your nearest bar association.The cost for a mediation is a few hundred dollars an hour.This is usually less expensive than a divorce.If you want to save money, limit the number of times you need your lawyer present.You can save a lot of money if you don't need anyone else to be present in the talks about dividing up assets and debts.You may be able to save if you use a mediation instead of legal representatives.
Step 10: Consider collaborative divorce.
Attorneys help the spouses reach an agreement during a collaborative divorce.Instead of fighting in court, both spouses and their lawyers use negotiation and mediation.If you can't get a lawyer to help you in mediation, collaborative divorce is a good choice.If you want a collaborative divorce, you should hire a lawyer who specializes in it.A lawyer who is experienced in collaborative divorce is more likely to be hired.
Step 11: A divorce settlement agreement should be drafted.
The judge will approve this agreement along with your divorce papers.Everything written about in this section should be included in a well-developed settlement agreement.Both spouses should sign the agreement.You should check if your court has a template that you can use.They can help you draft your agreement.You could ask a lawyer to review your agreement.
Step 12: You can find a reasonably priced lawyer.
A lawyer won't work cheaply.They will charge several hundred dollars an hour.You should try to find the cheapest lawyer you can.Referred by friends and family.There are clinics that offer advice on low cost or pro-bono legal representation.Family law and divorce issues are the focus of some.Lawyers with less experience should not be afraid.They charge less per hour, but they might be excellent lawyers.You can check their online reviews.You should ask about the hourly rate before scheduling a consultation.There is no reason to have a consultation with a lawyer if they are too expensive.
Step 13: Request a fee agreement.
Lawyers usually charge by the hour.Some people are willing to pay a fixed fee.You could be charged $1,000 in the U.S. for a divorce.You may not pay extra if it turns out to be more complex than the lawyer expected.If the divorce becomes more complex and costs more than the flat rate, some lawyers may stop representing you.
Step 14: Ask about unbundled legal services.
A lawyer might offer to do a few things instead of taking over your case.The arrangement is called unbundled legal services.Ask the lawyer if they offer this service.Even as you fill out and file forms, you might need a lawyer to represent you in court.You should get a signed fee agreement from the lawyer so you know what you're paying for.
Step 15: You need to organize your financial information.
Getting financial documents to your lawyer in a timely manner will save you time and money.You can create a binder of the following: five years of tax returns, bank statements, retirement fund statements and business ownership documents.
Step 16: You can request regular billing updates.
Make sure you get itemized monthly statements if you use a lawyer.The lawyer should send them to you as soon as possible.Call your lawyer if you don't understand the bill.The lawyer may be able to send you more frequent updates.You might want the lawyer to run something for you before you agree to have them do it.
Step 17: It's a good idea to avoid unnecessary phone calls.
Don't call your lawyer if you want to complain about your spouse.Your lawyer will bill you for the calls.Contact your lawyer if you have legal questions.Don't call until you have several questions and write them down.Your lawyer will be able to answer your questions quickly.
Step 18: Tell your lawyer the truth.
You will most likely meet with your lawyer to discuss your divorce.Be honest and stay that way.Surprises can cost you time and money.If you were unfaithful, acknowledge that.Depending on your jurisdiction, your lawyer needs to be prepared for this information to come out in court.Tell your lawyer all of your assets.The judge can punish you if you hide something.
Step 19: Ask yourself if you need a lawyer.
If your divorce is simple, you can get divorced without a lawyer.You can use any court resources to get a divorce.If you and your spouse agree on key issues, you can probably divorce without a lawyer.If you don't have a lawyer, you're at a disadvantage if you disagree with something.It is possible that your divorce is easy.You and your spouse might not have children or real estate.If you only argue about who gets the 2000 Chevy, then you might not want to hire a lawyer.If you are arguing about child custody, you should have a lawyer.A child custody order is very hard to change.
Step 20: You can file divorce paperwork of your own.
The courts should have printed the divorce forms because they are used to people representing themselves.Look on the court's website if you want to check with your court clerk.Getting a divorce is easy with these forms.You should read the instructions on the forms.If your court doesn't have forms, you'll need a lawyer to draft them.
Step 21: If you need help at the courthouse, use it.
You can't get legal advice from court personnel.Some courts have a self-help center or a family law facilitator who can look over your paperwork and make sure you are on track.Go to the courthouse to see if you have a self-help center.The center might be all you need if your divorce is simple.
Step 22: Fee waivers can be requested.
You have to pay a fee to have your divorce papers served on your spouse.If you are low income, you should ask the court clerk if you can apply for a fee Waiver.
Step 23: If your spouse will accept service, you should check it out.
Ask your spouse to accept service instead of paying a process server.You can hand them the papers if they agree with you.All you have to do is sign a form and submit it to the court.