If your marriage has come to an end, getting a divorce may be the best thing for you, your relationship, and your family. But even if you’re ready for a divorce emotionally, you may not be prepared financially. Before you launch into the divorce process, it’s important to understand the costs you may encounter along the way. Here’s what you should know about divorce costs in Massachusetts—
Factors that Impact the Cost of Divorce
Knowing what different factors impact the cost of divorce is important for mitigating costs where possible. Factors that impact the cost of divorce include:
- Type of divorce. The type of divorce you choose can impact the cost of your divorce. For example, a collaborative divorce requires that each party hire lawyers, whereas mediation could be pursued without an attorney (although this is not necessarily advised). A contested divorce, in which the parties do not agree on the outcome of the divorce, can be expensive and lead to high court and legal fees.
- Length of divorce. One thing that will surely impact the cost of a divorce is the length of the divorce. A divorce that drags on for months and months will likely be more expensive, as parties are likely to incur more legal fees this way.
- Conflict in the divorce. If there is more conflict in the divorce, it is unlikely that parties will be able to resolve issues in the divorce on their own without legal counsel and back-and-forth negotiations. The more conflict, the more the divorce will cost.
- Attorneys’ fees. Of course, while working with an attorney is always recommended, different attorneys charge different fees. Be sure to compare attorneys before hiring.
How to Save Money in Your Divorce
When you’re getting a divorce, you may be looking for cost-saving options. One way to save money in your divorce is to commit to working with your spouse from the get-go. If you and your spouse are able to come to an agreement about the terms of your divorce, then there will be less necessary legal intervention. Another way to save money in your divorce is to handle many of the administrative elements of the divorce on your own, such as acquiring and filing the divorce paperwork.
How Much Does a Divorce Really Cost?
It’s impossible to say how much your divorce may cost without having it thoroughly reviewed by an attorney. Even then, an attorney will not be able to accurately predict precisely for how long your divorce will go on, when it will settle, or what it may ultimately cost. Indeed, divorce costs can range from a few thousand to upwards of 20 thousand and more.
Learn More About Your Options Today
If you have questions about the divorce process and how much it may cost to end your marriage, you should consider starting with a consultation from an experienced divorce attorney. At the Law Office of Heather M. Ward, our Massachusetts divorce lawyer understands that you are cost-conscious while also wanting to secure the best case outcome possible. To learn more about your legal rights and how much your divorce could cost, call Attorney Heather Ward today at (617) 903-8955 or send our law firm a message online.