Many individuals inquire, “why is divorce so expensive?” While it is true that there are likely to be fees associated with divorce, there are several elements at play that might affect the cost on multiple levels.
Much of what influences the expense of a divorce is how the legal procedure is handled. However, how a divorce is dealt with is strongly influenced by the amount of collaboration or disagreement between the divorcing parties.
Why is divorce so expensive?
Divorcing partners who are more cooperative and cordial may discover that their divorce costs less and takes less time than those who are uncooperative and confront several unresolved disagreements. There are more factors to consider when determining why divorce might become so costly. And not every expense is quantifiable.
Custody fights and their associated costs
Conflicts over children will also increase the cost of a divorce. There may be additional costs associated with mental evaluations. You will also be responsible for the cost of a Guardian Ad Litem if the court assigns one. Additionally, if your attorney is required to retain an expert witness, that may be an additional fee.
Acrimonious custody disputes may significantly raise the expense of divorce in a variety of ways. In especially contentious situations, courts often appoint guardian ad litem to represent the children’s interests (typically an attorney or another professional, such as a mental health specialist). Parents are usually required to pay for the guardian’s interviews with each parent, house visits, time spent monitoring the children, and interviews with teachers, doctors, coaches, and other professionals who have contact with the children.
Your divorce lawyer
While the divorce lawyer you choose will significantly influence the cost of your divorce, this does not imply you should select the cheapest counsel available.
Incompetent counsel may make your divorce more complicated than it has to be, and without proper legal representation, your spouse may take you to the cleaners. Therefore, while looking for an attorney, look for someone who has extensive expertise in family law and is a good match for your case.
Property Division and Divorce Expenses
Divorcing couples must decide how to share their assets and debts, a very contentious issue for spouses who have undoubtedly clashed about money in the months before the divorce. Numerous avoidable charges arise as a result of couples’ erroneous assumptions about their financial situation after divorce. With the exception of wealthy couples, the majority of spouses should anticipate that transitioning from one to two houses would always result in a decrease in their level of life.
The more marital property you own, the more complicated a divorce will be. If you and your spouse have amassed significant real estate, equity, or other interests jointly, your lawyer may need specialized assistance. They may need the services of a financial analyst or real estate appraiser, for which you will almost certainly be required to provide.
Final Words
Why is divorce so expensive? As you can see, the fashion of how the divorce is conducted is strongly impacted by the amount of collaboration or disagreement between the divorcing parties. Moreover, the overall cost of a divorce is affected by how the legal procedure is managed. Though high fees are associated with divorce, the common factors discussed above create a snowball effect of cost in various ways. Having stated that, you see why divorces are expensive!
Need help with your divorce case? Let me guide you. Contact the Law Offices of Granda & Associates today to schedule a consultation.