3 Frugal Divorce Options
The expensive costs associated with a divorce are often an added stress at an already over-stressed time. The good news is that there are options that will allow you to get your divorce through the courts without costing you an arm and a leg in the process.
Here are three frugal options you should consider if you are going to get divorced:
The Do-It-Yourself Divorce
Here in the United States, all citizens have the right to represent themselves in court. This is also true for bankruptcy and divorce cases. If you, and your soon-to-be-ex, are in agreement on all of the aspects of your divorce, and you do not have minor children, then a DIY divorce is a very doable thing.
If you have a willing spirit, then you can do enough research online to be able to successfully file your own divorce case. There are wonderful books on the topic and more websites available online than you will ever need.
You can purchase the forms to file your divorce online or through your local family court.
The Mediation Divorce
If you are separating by mutual agreement, but there are a few sticking points still to be worked out between you such as pet ownership or asset splits, then using a mediator can be a good solution. Mediators are typically much less expensive than hiring an attorney, and a mediator can help you to work with your partner in order to come to a situation where you both feel like you got what you needed out of the process.
Once you have come to an agreement, then you can either file your own case in court or ask an attorney to help you finish the process.
The Do-It-Yourself with an Attorney Assisting Divorce
If you are wanting to file your own case, but want someone to do a check just to make sure that your paperwork is perfect, then you might want to hire a divorce attorney to take a look at what you have completed. An attorney will be happy to help you with this process and can ensure that your case sails through the courts.
Conclusion
Getting a divorce can be an expensive event which happens at a time where stress is already too high in your life. If you and your ex-partner are amicable, then a DIY divorce, or a DIY with an attorney divorce, option might be just the answer to save both of you money and reduce your stress levels as well.
If you have only minor disagreements, then working with a mediator can also save both you, and your soon-to-be-ex, money and stress.
If you have a contested divorce, or minor children, then it is best to hire your own attorney and process your divorce through the normal legal channels.
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