Going through a divorce isn’t easy, and many people make huge mistakes while undergoing this life-changing event. There are no two divorce cases alike. However, what is clear is that a divorce isn’t going to happen without some expenses and preparations beforehand.
Many aspects need to be considered in your divorce case. The choices you make, statements, everything can and might be used against you, which may leave you in an even more significant financial distress. A divorce attorney Orange County might be the best option to make your case easier and offer you the proper legal guidance and advice. It can help you avoid a financial crisis.
It is difficult to estimate the cost of a divorce in Orange County, as each case is unique and depends on several factors. This is why it is best to prepare before a divorce is considered financially. To help you in this endeavor, here are some tips that may help you.
Ask For Financial Advice
In most couples, there is one person that manages the money in the household. You can financially prepare for a divorce a little easier if you are that person. If not, then it’s time to take the reins.
You can either meet with a financial advisor before you file a divorce or seek a divorce lawyer for a consultation on your case. This is to understand the monetary implications of your case better.
No matter what you decide, it’s important to acknowledge that if indeed you want to proceed with the divorce, depending on how well you can work together with your spouse or not, there will be a couple of expenses.
These expenses might not all be obvious from the start, so you will need some savings to deal with any unexpected proceedings. If your spouse isn’t cooperative, the expenses might be higher, and the duration of your divorce proceedings longer. This is why, apart from the money that you will need to spend on the divorce proceedings, you must also consider that you will also need money to get by for an undetermined period.
Especially if you already want to move out or wish to cut any financial dependency on your spouse. Some common expenses associated with divorce proceedings include:
- Attorney fees
- Court costs
- Class tuition for parent education
- Neutral early evaluations fees
- Mediation costs
- Refinancing costs for your home if you own it, or
- Record deed fees
Evaluate Your Assets
A next good tip to financially prepare for a divorce is to find out how much cash you have. This means checking your savings. Take stock of your assets. Both invested or tied up in equity. You should also note all your loans and debts, the bills you pay, and your and your spouse’s income.
Save Money
No matter the state of your relationship before a divorce and what you feel as you go through it, be it a sense of relief or suffering, you shouldn’t spend money excessively, but rather, try to save up.
For many people, spending money is a form of escapism, a way to feel good. During such a stressful event, or even considering it, we may be tempted to spend more than we can afford just for a glimpse of euphoria. It is essential to remember that what money you save now will help you later, as you will need it for your attorney’s fees.
You must also be ready to face the consequences of announcing your divorce. Perhaps your family won’t back you up, including financially. Every scenario is possible, but you are to only one who can foresee it as you know them best.
Prepare Some Documentation
Another aspect of divorce money considerations is to write down who owns what, like, for example, which one of you has their name on the car’s title. Are both your names listed on the loans? Did you name your spouse as a beneficiary in your will or life insurance policy? You must gather all such paperwork, organize it, and make copies to understand your financial situation better and prepare.
Get Ready For Sacrifices
Some sacrifices might be inevitable depending on how well you and your spouse can work together through this event. The chances are high that neither of you can keep everything you have hoped for.
This is why it’s important to prioritize the things that are most important to you, and let go of what you can. Both of you have to be fair and make concessions. What will follow is that your standard of living will change drastically from what you were used to, not necessarily from ground zero, but you will start over nonetheless.
At this stage, you also have to assess how the things you can’t keep will affect your expenses later. For example, suppose you know that your spouse will keep the car, and you depend on it to reach work or for other purposes. In that case, your traveling expenses might be higher in the future, or you may also need to save up on buying a car.
Work Together
One of the best ways to protect your finances during a divorce is to agree to work together with your spouse, if possible. Suppose both of you can cooperate well enough regarding the disentangling of your estates. In that case, the divorce proceedings will also run smoother, and the financial costs will also be lower for both.
You will already enter a complex affair, both emotionally and financially. Complicating the divorce procedure will make it worse. This is why it’s best to contact a good divorce lawyer to help you during these times.
Divorce proceedings are expensive. A divorce lawyer can help both parties reach a favorable settlement. If it isn’t possible, they will fight for you so that you can earn what you truly deserve out of the divorce proceedings. However, in Orange County, there is also the possibility of obtaining a divorce for a flat fee of $2,500. Contact a local Orange County divorce attorney to learn more.
