When two people get married they pledge to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, those vows may not always stand the test of time. Depending on certain factors of the relationship, divorce may be necessary or the best option for one or both of the spouses. Along with being emotionally challenging, divorce can be expensive. Legal costs add up quickly, especially in a high-conflict divorce. Before you file those papers, you should determine whether or not you can afford the costs associated with a divorce and the new life you will have. Read on for more information about the expenses you have to deal with during a separation and work with a skilled Sparta divorce attorney.
How Much Does Divorce Cost?
Divorce has a reputation for being time-consuming and expensive. This is not always true, but it can be the case for many couples. In New Jersey, an average divorce will cost somewhere around $12,000 to $13,000. It is one of the most expensive states for divorce.
Standard divorces will include costs like attorney and legal fees, court costs, filing fees, etc. It costs $300 just to file for divorce, and $325 if you and your spouse have children. A good attorney will cost you anywhere from $200 to $500. You will be billed for every interaction you have with your lawyer that relates to the case not to mention the time that they spend doing research, drafting agreements, submitting documents, and more.
You may also require the assistance of professionals when making decisions regarding the division of property or child custody. Hiring a property appraiser, accountant, mental health professional, or custody expert can be beneficial to your divorce but can add substantial costs to your bill.
You should also keep in mind that going from married to divorced means you are going from a dual-income household to a single-income household, given that both you and your spouse work. After your divorce, you will have to pay a mortgage or rent on your own. If you rely heavily on your spouse’s income it may be difficult for you to support yourself on your own. Even if you can support yourself, keep in mind that you could be ordered to pay alimony or child support to your spouse.
There are hidden costs associated with divorce and the aftermath of a divorce. Make sure you are thinking through all potential expenses so you are prepared.
How Can I Cut Expenses During My Divorce?
There are a few ways you can avoid substantial costs during your divorce. Try to come up with agreements on your own so you spend less time disputing issues in court. Child custody and asset division can take a long time to decide. The less time you spend in court the lower your court and attorney fees will be. Consider alternative methods to litigation. Mediation and collaborative divorce are great cost-saving methods during a divorce.
