Gibbons Law Firm: Factors that Impact the Cost of Divorce

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Factors that Impact the Cost of a Divorce

Divorce is not only an emotionally strenuous time, it can be hard on your budget too. As your experienced divorce lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know the divorce process is impacted by a number of factors. While no two divorces are the same, we can offer some advice on what can drive up the cost of getting a divorce. Take a look below to learn what factors impact the cost AND what you can do to keep these expenses at bay.

Case Complexity

There are quite a few factors that can make a divorce complex. The most common factor is children. If you and your spouse have kids together, deciding the custody arrangement can take time and effort. Another factor that can increase the complexity of your case is if one of the spouses own a business. Complex community property is another factor that can impact the cost of a divorce. It can take energy to decide who is getting what when it comes to community property.

Length of Time

The main factor of the cost of a divorce is the amount of time each step takes. Your lawyer and your spouses' lawyer will both work on your case and likely charge by the hour. The amount of paperwork to compile and filter through will add to the amount of time required. If you don't get back with your lawyer in a timely fashion, it's another way your budget may increase. The amount of time required to prepare for your divorce can impact the total cost.

Conflict Level

If you and your spouse go back and forth trying to come to a settlement, it can draw out the process. Coming to a conclusion before you get into the heat of things can be beneficial for your divorce budget. It's best to be understanding and work with your lawyer and/or your spouse to get through the process with a low level of conflict.

While getting a divorce can impact your entire life, you can limit the financial impact of the process. By knowing WHAT causes a divorce bill to increase, you and your spouse can work together to keep the cost down. If you are thinking about getting a divorce, contact our Lake of the Ozarks lawyer today. Your first consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is free. Give us a call today to learn how we can help you through the divorce process.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

Follow us on...

Thursday, September 14, 2017

4 Factors that Impact the Cost of Divorce

Did you know financial challenges are one of the most common causes for divorce in the United States? Although divorce does not have to be expensive, there are a number of factors that can drive up the cost of a divorce. Several factors can increase the financial stress for both parties involved in the divorce.

One of the most common questions our family law attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks gets asked is ”how expensive is a divorce.” Unfortunately, there is no set amount for each divorce. Each situation is different, making it impossible to provide a clear price estimate. There are certain factors that can influence how much a divorce will cost. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is here to help explain some of the factors that may apply to your divorce and how these factors can impact the overall cost.

Factor #1: Children Involved in the Divorce

When there are children involved in a divorce, the cost of the divorce may rise. It can take more time to determine how to divide custody of your kids. A custody battle is often the most highly contested aspect of the divorce process. Each parent is typically passionate about their kids and are willing to fight for their rights, causing the cost of divorce to rise.

Factor #2: Amount of Cooperation between Spouses

Cooperation with your spouse also has a direct impact on the length of time involved to finalize the divorce. This factor also has a big impact on the money needed to complete the process. If you and your spouse cannot decide how things should be handled and divided, extensive and costly litigation fees may be involved. If the two parties can agree and cooperate, it can greatly impact the bottom line in a positive way.

Factor #3: Marital Assets Involved

If a large amount of assets are involved, the more work needed in dividing them between the two parties. Multiple properties or other assets can complicate the process, and drive the cost up. Other assets that can complicate the process are shared investments and retirement accounts that are listed in both of your names.

Factor #4: The Attorneys You Choose

The attorneys used to represent you in the divorce process will have a significant impact on the overall cost. While the cost is a major factor, it's important to find a divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks that is trustworthy, reliable, and has your best interest in mind throughout the entire process.

If you are interested in filing for divorce, we hope you'll consider Gibbons Law Firm for a trustworthy and affordable attorney. It's important to find the right lawyer to represent your divorce case. Let us help you through the entire divorce process.

Along with divorce, our Lake of the Ozarks divorce attorney has experience with all matters relating to family law. Child custody, spousal maintenance, child support, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, paternity cases, annulments, and legal separation are all matters we can assist with, as well. For more information about divorce at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact our law firm today. Your first initial consultation is always free with us!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.