Divorce can be an incredibly stressful experience, particularly in terms of finance. The cost associated with the legal process is a major concern for couples considering divorce in Colorado. While it’s true that expenses related to marital dissolution will vary depending on each individual situation, there are some steps you can take to reduce these bills and make the entire process more manageable financially.
In this blog post, we will discuss what influences divorce costs in Colorado and how you can minimize them when terminating your marriage.
Why Are Divorces So Expensive?
Divorce is an expensive process that requires couples to pay for various services and fees associated with the filing proceedings, including legal expenses. Depending on the location and the particulars of the case, a divorce can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Not only do couples have to consider their legal fees, but they also have to account for attorney's fees, court expenses, and any associated costs like division of property or alimony payments. These endless financial burdens can be quite daunting for couples considering a potential divorce, often acting as both an immediate barrier and a long-term hardship.
In fact, the financial burden facing divorcing couples can often delay their decision or lead them towards solutions such as mediation or marriage counseling instead of an official divorce filing. While this may seem like a good thing from the outside, for many couples for whom divorce is their best option, this ends up costing them more money and stress.
Ultimately, it’s important to understand that while divorces can be costly, they can also offer peace of mind and even financial security in certain circumstances if executed carefully.
Keep reading for three tips on reducing the overall cost of your divorce.
Tip #1: Work Through Issues Collaboratively as Much as Possible
When going through a divorce, it can be difficult to remember that it’s important to try and work collaboratively with your ex-partner. Working together with your respective attorneys to come up with creative solutions that both parties agree on can be far more beneficial than dragging the process out in court.
Litigation is one of the most expensive aspects of divorce, and working through the issues together instead of handing control over to the judge can help reduce both the amount of conflict you experience and the amount of time you spend in the courtroom. It might even enable you to avoid going through litigation altogether. With continual cooperation and an eye towards compromise, divorcing couples can stay away from costly litigation that often comes with a tiresome experience for all involved.
Tip #2: Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods
If you and your former partner are not able to come to a mutually agreeable decision on the terms of your divorce, alternative dispute resolution methods, or ADRs, can be a helpful solution. ADRs, such as mediation or arbitration, can help facilitate decisions between two people without involving lengthy court proceedings.
Mediation is a process facilitated by a neutral third party who takes no sides and acts as a facilitator during negotiations. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you may use a mediator to help resolve a particular issue, or they can be used to help you work through all aspects of your divorce. They can even assist divorcing parents in developing a mutually beneficial parenting plan. Mediation is also a confidential process, whereas court litigation is not.
Arbitration is similar to mediation with one key difference: the arbitrator’s job is to decide which party will receive what resolution rather than suggest various solutions for the disputing couple to decide between. Arbitration may provide a quicker time frame than court proceedings and, like mediation, keeps the dispute private.
In any case, divorcing parties that find themselves at odds with one another should investigate all available options, as trying out alternatives could prove invaluable for resolving difficult disputes amicably. When successful, many alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation, are significantly less expensive than litigation.
Tip #3: Work with an Experienced Attorney You Feel Confident In
One of the best ways to reduce the cost of your divorce is to work with an experienced attorney who is a good fit for you. An experienced attorney is better equipped to negotiate an arrangement that is fair and which protects your best interests. This can help cut down on the time and resources needed to settle the divorce. Additionally, they will be familiar with local laws and regulations regarding divorce, so they can help make sure you get the best possible outcome out of your situation (this is especially important if you are a military servicemember who is serving outside your home state or overseas).
At the Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C., we have years of experience helping Colorado residents and military servicemembers stationed in Colorado through their divorce process. We will take the time to get to know you and your situation to provide you with the best possible representation. This way, you can focus on moving on with your life rather than worrying about the legal details.
Contact our firm online to schedule a confidential divorce consultation.