Things Your Divorce Attorney Wants You To Know – Collaborative Divorce

For many people, the divorce process is their first interaction with the legal system. When you add to that the emotionality and stress of a divorce, the process can feel overwhelming. Despite our reputation, a good family law attorney can actually help you navigate the process, without turning your divorce into a war. Here are a couple of tips for lowering your divorce costs and making the process as smooth as possible.

Choosing the Right Attorney Is Key

Sometimes parties don’t hire attorneys out of fear that it will make the conflict worse. Unfortunately, I do see scenarios where an attorney makes things more difficult, so I understand the concern. However, not all lawyers are the same. Look for someone who is trained in Collaborative Law, or who provides unbundled legal services. It’s far better that you spend a little bit of money now to make sure the paperwork is done properly than to spend lots of money in court several years down the road.

You Have a Say in How Expensive Your Divorce Is

Many people worry about the cost of a divorce. The good news there are things you can do to keep your legal fees lower. By choosing the collaborative process, each part of your divorce (financial, legal, emotional, and parenting) will be handled by an expert in that particular field. This streamlines the process and helps keep your fees lower.

The Team Approach Ensures the Best Result

There are a number of issues to tackle during a divorce – spousal and child support, parenting time with the children, selling or refinancing the home, and dividing bank accounts, debts, and retirement accounts. The team approach ensures that you get the best advice in each of these areas, and that your settlement is structured to ensure your success post-divorce.

No Question Is Dumb

You should not be afraid to ask questions. The members of your team want to make this process as smooth as possible, so please ask for help when you need it. While it may be tempting to use Google, the information is not tailored to your unique circumstances, and may not be applicable to your case.

Doing Things Right the First Time Will Save Money in the Long Run

Many couples think that, if they can agree on everything at the time of divorce, they do not need to hire attorneys or other experts to help. Several years later, I frequently see them in my office, arguing over provisions in their Parenting Plan or Separation Agreement. Trying to fix the documents after the fact is significantly more expensive than getting it right the first time.