Are collaborative divorces cheaper?

Divorces are infamous for being expensive. If you go to court in North Carolina or another state, your divorce could end up costing you thousands of dollars in court and attorney fees. You’ll have to either dip into your savings, take out a loan or use the assets that you received in the divorce to pay it off. Is there a more affordable way to get divorced?

How to save money with collaborative divorce

Most people assume that filing for divorce means going to court right away. However, according to family law, you have a few alternatives before you go to court. Collaborative divorce is a cost-effective alternative that allows you to settle your divorce on your own terms.

If you choose the collaborative divorce route, you should still hire a divorce attorney to help you through the process. However, you won’t have to pay for months of attorney services and court fees in a long legal battle. Instead, your attorney may help you and your estranged spouse make decisions together about child care, child support, property division and more. If all goes well, you might finalize your divorce within a few months.

In the beginning, it could be tempting to fight for your assets in court. However, you could actually end up with more assets if you agree to a collaborative divorce. Your estranged spouse might be more open to negotiations, leaving you with fewer debts and more assets after your divorce.

Do you still need an attorney when you choose collaborative divorce?

Regardless of your situation, an attorney may be a valuable ally during the divorce process. They might help you save money, avoid taking on your estranged spouse’s debts and negotiate your divorce without taking it to court. Your attorney may also help you remain objective throughout the process to ensure that you’re acting in your best interests.