Getting Divorced When You Are Broke

Law Offices of Stephanie L. Mahdavi A Professional Law Corporation Divorce

One of the most common reasons why many couples are afraid to get divorced is their finances. It is difficult to claim your independence when you can’t even afford your own divorce. Divorce can be expensive but it is possible to untie the knot, even when you are struggling financially.

Keep the costs under control

We live in a consumer society. Consumerism has become an obsession rather than a simple pleasure. There is a difference between what you want and what you truly need. Do you really need to make the whole divorce process more complicated by fighting over unnecessary things with your ex? Hire an experienced Westlake Village divorce attorney and stay out of court. The more amicable the divorce process is, the less costly it will be.

Educate yourself

There are so many resources out there. Learn as much as you can and do some research on the internet about specific divorce issues you are facing. Try to negotiate in a more neutral place and always listen to what your spouse has to say. Respect is crucial during divorce proceedings. Address important issues such as child custody and property division all at once rather than at different times.

Your attorney can help you avoid devastating mistakes that may slow down the process. If you allow arguments to escalate, you may have to disclose information your spouse does not want to make public. This is not a good thing, especially if you have children. Remember that co-parenting is a crucial factor in determining custody.

Craft a financial plan

The first step is closing the joint bank account. If you need to keep it open for a while, you can talk to your former spouse and deposit the money you need to pay your bills every month. If you are the custodial parent and you are keeping the home, you can pay the mortgage and ask your former spouse to reimburse you, only if he or she is trustworthy. Credit cards are a different story. If you are a stay-at-home mom and you haven’t worked for a long time, it will be hard to get a credit card after divorce. You can always freeze the account or you will risk going even further into debt.

Gathering important documents

There are some records you must gather before filing for divorce, including a copy of your tax returns, wills, financial statements, and so on. It is important you don’t delay gathering important financial information. These documents can help you get a better settlement. In other words, the organization is essential for a low-cost divorce.

Hiring an attorney

Even if you hire a Westlake Village divorce attorney, you should get familiar with how the process works. Use a mediator rather than a litigator. Find common ground and go from there. If you have any questions, make sure you contact an attorney in your area and discuss your options prior to filing for divorce.

Call us today and find out how getting divorced is easier than you think.

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