When you get divorced, there are many different elements you have to consider. The divorce will impact your social circle, your job performance, your children’s lives, and even your financial security. Depending on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, you may end up paying considerably more for your divorce than you anticipated. The last thing you want is to be burdened with additional costs. A Bloomington divorce lawyer can help you lower your costs.

The Importance of Lowering Divorce Costs

Realizing your marriage is about to come to an end can be a difficult thought to fully process. People entering into a marriage intend for the marriage to last forever. When you start untangling your life from your spouse’s, it’s reasonable for you to want to avoid losing all your money in the process. This can be easier said than done, depending on the details of your divorce. You may have to pay child support or alimony once the divorce is finished.

Throughout this process, your first priority may be to protect your finances, which is understandable. If your divorce is contested, you may have to prepare for a considerable fight ahead. In a perfect situation, your divorce would be uncontested, and you would be able to work out spousal support and custody arrangements with your spouse. You might even be able to avoid a courtroom entirely.

However, this is generally not the case. Protecting your finances can be difficult.

Contested divorces can be unpredictable, spiteful, and quite costly. Your spouse may seek to drain your finances simply because they have run out of ways to hurt you. They may see it as retribution if they realize they won’t get everything they wanted from the divorce settlement. It’s vital to your financial security that you take the proper steps to protect yourself and make sure your spouse can’t destroy your finances. A good lawyer can help you put a plan together.

According to the CDC, Illinois actually has one of the lowest divorce rates in the entire country. The divorce rate in Illinois as of 2022 is around 1.1 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national rate.

Despite a low frequency of divorces, that doesn’t mean contested divorces don’t happen in the state. If you are struggling with the aftermath of your divorce, you may want to reach out to a Bloomington divorce support group, such as DivorceCare. Talking to someone can help.

Tips on Lowering Your Divorce Costs

Expensive divorces are not uncommon. They happen when people fail to secure their finances and end up being taken advantage of by someone they used to trust. If you don’t act accordingly, a divorce can be a considerable strain on your financial and emotional health. Thankfully, there are always actions you can take to ensure your finances are protected and your divorce costs are low. Here are some tips on lowering your divorce costs:

  • Learn everything you can about the divorce process. The more familiar you are with how the process works, the harder it is for your spouse to try to take advantage of you. It’s highly unlikely that your divorce will come out of nowhere. A divorce is typically the final step in a series of ongoing relationship problems. If you start to feel like your marriage is ending, it will benefit you to read up on the Illinois divorce process and other viable options.
  • Try to work out an uncontested divorce. It may not be a viable solution for every couple, but if you are able to sit your spouse down and try to negotiate some aspects of your divorce together, it can be so much cheaper than going through the court system. A pending divorce can add more contention to an already troubled relationship, so you may not want to count on this unless common ground can be found.

FAQs

Q: Does a Divorce Have to Be Expensive?

A: No, a divorce does not have to be expensive. Many divorces are finalized without severely damaging either party’s finances. Every divorce case is different, with each case having its own details that are going to influence the outcome and contribute to the cost. Uncontested divorces are often cheaper because you can avoid litigation costs. Contested divorces are often expensive because neither party is willing to compromise.

Q: How Much are Lawyer Fees in Illinois?

A: It’s impossible to predict the costs for a divorce lawyer in Illinois, as every divorce case is different, with each case having unique contributing factors that influence the total amount you’ll pay in court costs, including your lawyer’s fee. Generally, lawyer fees are determined by your individual case complexity and the lawyer’s experience and education.

Q: Is a Divorce Lawyer Really Necessary?

A: Generally, yes, a divorce lawyer is necessary. If you don’t think you need a lawyer for your divorce, you are well within your legal rights to handle things yourself. However, it is recommended that you retain legal counsel anytime you are about to go through legal strife of any kind, including a divorce. Choosing the right lawyer might be the wisest decision you make throughout this process.

Q: How Can I Reduce My Divorce Costs?

A: There are many different ways you can reduce your divorce costs. Some options may not be readily available to you, such as an uncontested divorce, but you should always pursue the ones that are. One of the most effective ways to reduce your divorce costs is by planning ahead. A prenuptial agreement can be a great way to prepare for the worst, as it may prevent you from losing a considerable amount of your assets in the divorce.

Contact a Lawyer Today

Reducing your divorce costs may not be easy, but it’s something you can work toward if you are worried that your divorce is going to cost you an arm and a leg. A good divorce lawyer can help you determine what your options are and what costs are absolutely necessary.

The legal team at Stange Law Firm can help you through a costly divorce. We are here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our valued team members.