5 Secrets Shared by an Experienced California Divorce Attorney
Posted on: November 9, 2018
Sad as it may seem, the chances of a married couple in the United States getting divorced is about 50% – and that’s for first marriages. When a person marries for the second or third time, their chances of divorce are even higher. This is not a very optimistic view on marriage but it is reality.
At Law Office of Michael L. Fell we have worked with countless clients as they navigate the process of divorce. If you believe that you are headed that way yourself, read on to learn five secrets that you should know before beginning the process. Then contact us at (949) 585-9055 to set up a free consultation.
- A contested divorce is an expensive divorce
- It’s likely you are going to have to cut corners for awhile
- A little organization can save you big
- Collaborative divorce is likely the best option
- Mediation may be more useful than you think
If you and your spouse do not both want to get divorce or you cannot agree on the terms, then you can expect the entire process to cost you up to $30,000 more than if you could agree on the terms. While we will fight for you in a divorce litigation, we also urge out clients to try and find a way to come together. Litigation should be the last resort if there is truly no way to agree on the terms.
If you were supported throughout your marriage then you may be eligible for temporary or permanent alimony. If you are taking care of the kids then you are likely to get child support. However, all of this can be up in the air during the divorce process. If you are the supporting parent, then the temporary support orders may be excessive. The bottom line is that during the process of figuring it all out, you may be required to reign in your spending.
Your divorce attorney is going to charge you by the hour. If you show up to your meetings with your documents ready and organized, then you can get in and out must faster – which can reduce the fees you pay in the long run. Before you even call a divorce attorney, get a copy of your credit report, get three years of tax returns, and make copies of all relevant financial documents. This can save hours of legal fees.
The plain truth about divorce is that emotions are often running high. There is nothing unusual about a person wanting to fight every battle with their soon-to-be-ex spouse, especially if abuse or infidelity was part of the marriage. However, the more you fight, the longer the process will take – and the harder it will be. In some cases, finding a way to give some ground can help you get through this process more easily.
We offer mediation services in which you and your spouse sit down, discuss the marital assets, and agree on how they will be split – with the help of a mediator. To learn more about how this process can benefit you, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 today.
