Many couples want to get divorced but cannot. Not because the laws prohibit them from doing so, but rather because they are limited by a lack of money.
Indeed, divorces are expensive. The average divorce costs roughly $15,000. That is a huge chunk of change for the average person. That cost primarily consists of legal fees and court fees.
At hundreds of dollars an hour, lawyer’s fees can quickly add up. While having a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer on your side is well worth the cost, where do you draw the line? Is it possible to have decent legal representation and still save some money?
The good news is that there are ways to save on legal fees. If you do things the right way, you could save thousands of dollars. That is money that you can use in your new single life.
So the question is: how do you do it? Here are some tips to help.
Remember That Time is Money
While some occupations may have set rates, that is not the case for the legal field. Lawyers often bill on an hourly basis. So, the more time they spend on your case, the more it will cost. If you can do some of the work yourself, that will save time for your lawyer, which means less that you will have to pay.
Know When Your Lawyer is on the Clock
When does your lawyer charge? When does your lawyer not charge? If you communicate with your lawyer, whether it is via phone, text, email, or in person, they will likely charge you for your time. Note that many lawyers bill in six-minute increments, and each of these increments will cost 1/10 of the hourly fee. Time is a commodity, so do not waste your lawyer’s time or overshare with them. You do not have to share every detail of your life.
Do Not Use Your Lawyer as a Therapist
Divorce is stressful; there is no doubt about it. There are a lot of elements and emotions involved. It can be hard to juggle everything on your own. You might try to use your lawyer as a shoulder to cry on. Don’t do it. Lawyers are trained to solve legal issues. They are not experienced in handling mental and emotional problems. Instead, talk things out with a psychologist or therapist. Better yet, confide in a trusted friend or family member — that can be done for free.
Consider Mediation
Mediation allows you and your spouse to make decisions about the divorce. Plus, it can be done for a fraction of the price of litigation. If you and your spouse can behave amicably, then it could be a much cheaper option than going to court.
Contact Us Today
Divorce can be very expensive. By understanding how lawyers work, you can save money on legal fees.
A Tennessee divorce lawyer from The Law Office of David L. Scott can assist you with your divorce and get you the legal help you need without breaking the bank. To schedule a consultation, call (615) 896-7656 or fill out the online form.
