A marital breakup is an event that is not only notorious for being emotional and stressful, but also often expensive. It is safe to say that any person in Illinois who is heading into a divorce should also anticipate a financial shake-up. Fortunately, there are some ways to save money and make divorce a less costly experience.
Do as much legwork as possible
Collecting and organizing needed documents and information before meeting with attorneys will save both time and money. Many lawyers will give clients a checklist of the important documents that they need to collect. These are typically documents about bank accounts, retirement plans, real estate and personal property. Gathering and organizing important documents will reduce the time attorneys spend on the individual’s case.
Alternative resolutions
If spouses can be civil and work together, mediation or collaborative divorce are less expensive options compared to a court battle. Collaborative divorce typically involves lawyers and other specialists. With mediation, spouses meet with a neutral third party to help resolve the divorce. Attorneys are not required in mediation, so it is usually less expensive.
Focus on the end goal
There are no true winners in a divorce, as both parties will ultimately lose something. It is usually wiser to focus on the nonnegotiable issues instead of going to battle over the small or nonessential stuff. Arguing over every little or insignificant thing will only prolong the divorce and cost more money. Hiring the right legal professionals is also very important in getting through this experience. During any family law matter such as divorce, choosing a knowledgeable and seasoned attorney can help those in Illinois get through the dissolution of a marriage in a timely and efficient manner.