Divorces are expensive. There is no way around it. What was once one household now becomes two, along with all of the property and bills necessary to maintain the family. There are attorneys’ fees, court costs, moving-related expenses, child support payments, and spousal maintenance payments. Needless to say, your financial future can take quite a hit once your Illinois divorce is resolved. Additionally, if your divorce becomes contested and complicated, this financial drain can go on for a significant period of time.
Pitfalls of “Do-It-Yourself” Divorce
Some individuals believe that the ultimate way to save money on divorce is to do it themselves. With multiple low-cost form services and online advice sites out there, it is tempting to forgo an attorney’s retainer and simply take matters into your own hands. The problem is, many people end up paying even more in attorneys’ fees in the future to fix a legal nightmare that has occurred.
Without a lawyer to protect your interests, you may end up with an unfair divorce settlement that you can not undo. Unrepresented litigants in divorce cases tend to overlook items of property in which they may have an interest. You might have forgotten about your spouse’s retirement account, or when your spouse told you that you were not entitled to any of it, you might have believed him or her. Once your divorce is final, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to go back and redo the property settlement in your divorce.
Considering Alternatives to the Courtroom
Divorce cases can quickly become complex and also ugly, at times. If you fight every battle out in court, you might win the war, but you also will end up with high attorneys’ fees. While this will not work in every case, you may consider going to mediation and attempt to resolve your case. Resolving your case through mediation can be much less expensive, and it is successful in many cases. Additionally, it allows you and your spouse to make your own agreement, rather than relying on a judge to make significant decisions for you.
Choosing mediation can also provide a more positive solution for you, your spouse, and especially your children. Dragging your children through a lengthy, contested divorce is rarely what is best for them – or for you. When your child’s safety or similar factors are an issue, sometimes proceeding to court is the best option.
Experienced DuPage County Divorce Lawyers
At the Pucci Pirtle, we pride ourselves on offering a wide array of options to resolve divorce proceedings. Whether we advise you to pursue your case through mediation or traditional litigation, we have the skillset that is essential to help you. For an experienced Elgin, IL divorce lawyer, contact our office today at 847-426-1866 and learn what we can do for you.
Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/al-corona/divorce-is-expensive-can-_b_11595584.html
