Are you in the midst of a divorce? Are you receiving monthly lawyer bills that are depleting your already dwindling assets? If you are, here are five tips that may help you bail-out of the economic hardships that are being created by your divorce.
- Ask your lawyer to give you a “to-do” list that will allow you to reduce your legal costs. For example, as part of the divorce process in California you must exchange financial declarations with your spouse. These divorce forms are generally straightforward and can be completed by you with the help of Adobe Acrobat.
- Minimize the number of times each day or week that you communicate with your lawyer and his or her staff. If you have questions that are not urgent or time sensitive, write them down and ask all of your questions at once. Also, avoid calling your lawyer for psychological advice – therapists are generally less expensive and may be covered by your medical insurance.
- Reassess your legal positions. Ask yourself if the issues you and your spouse are litigating (fighting over in court) are really worth the costs. For example, if you are waging war in an effort to “win” the 55″ plasma television worth $5,000 and it will cost you $4,000 in legal fees to be declared the winner, reconsider your battle plan. Ask yourself if the casualties are worth the victory.
- Mediate, don’t litigate. Do this with a private neutral mediator or find a community mediation center that offers family mediation for no or low cost. If the mediation is unsuccessful, consider trying again with another mediator or, ask your lawyer if you can request a court settlement conference. Court settlement conferences are often facilitated by the Judge or Commissioner who will preside over your case if it goes to trial, and can be very instrumental in setting realistic expectations for the outcome of your case and encourage a settlement.
- Ask your lawyer to reduce his or her rates or shop around for a lawyer whose rates are more affordable.
This article is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have legal questions that relate to your specific divorce.
