Ready To Get A Divorce? 3 Helpful Tips For Keeping Costs Down In Your Chicago Divorce Case
One of the factors that likely influences many individuals and couples in Chicago when thinking about ending a marriage is the cost of the divorce process. It is no secret that the cost of Chicago dissolution of marriage proceedings can be very high. We see divorcing spouses cringe on television and movies at the idea of paying things like spousal maintenance and child support, giving up valuable properties to the other spouse in compromise, or writing out a check for the costs of a divorce. However, the truth is that while Chicago divorces can be costly, both in legal and court fees and costs and as a result of the ultimate disposition of the divorce, which establishes who pays what and who gets what, they do not have to be as a rule. In fact, a Chicago divorce doesn’t have to be expensive to either party, with the proper planning and willingness to negotiate, and if there aren’t a ton of complex issues to navigate. While there are many ways to keep a Chicago divorce from breaking the bank, here are three key tips for keeping the costs of a divorce down.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead with a Prenuptial Agreement
Although many people think that prenuptial agreements are only for the rich and famous, they are a thoughtful and useful mechanism for couples of any income level. In a prenuptial agreement, couples can write out in a legally-binding contract the terms of the end of the marriage, in the case that things don’t work out and the couple ultimately decides to get a divorce. In a prenuptial agreement, both parties to a marriage can decide how assets and liabilities will be divided, who will get what marital property, and can even determine things like spousal maintenance, child custody, and pet custody. Indeed, the stigma about prenuptial agreements often prevents couples from entering into them before getting married, but they can be a good idea and money-saver, and are worth considering.
Tip #2: Be Open-Minded and Willing to Compromise
One of the things that makes divorces so expensive is the duration of the divorce and the complexity of the issues. Plain and simple: dissolution proceedings take more time and are more complicated when the parties disagree on every aspect of the divorce. In Chicago divorce cases, it pays for both sides to be willing to listen to each other and be open-minded to compromise. Negotiating key issues of the divorce can not only save time and money, but can also provide certainty to the parties, as they are not leaving important decisions up to the discretion and judgment of a judge in court.
Tip #3: Work with an Experienced Chicago Divorce Lawyer
Although of course there are legal fees associated with working with a Chicago divorce lawyer, working with an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer can ultimately cut some costs. An experienced Chicago divorce lawyer knows the ins-and-outs of the Chicago divorce process, and can work efficiently through the system to represent your interests. An experienced Chicago divorce lawyer can advise as to the best money-saving strategies throughout your Chicago divorce. An experienced divorce lawyer can protect your rights and interests, and while no lawyer can guarantee any result in a case, they will do the best they can to get you the outcome that you hope for.
If you are seeking a divorce in Chicago, reach out to the experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC for a confidential consultation. Contact the law offices of Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC today and speak to a lawyer about your rights and options.
