Thanks to the media and stories passed around family, friends and acquaintances, many people believe that getting divorce will be very expensive. Although there are costs involved, a New Mexico divorce doesn’t automatically leave you flat broke.
A lot of what goes into a divorce’s final cost stems from how the couple is choosing to handle the divorce process, which is naturally impacted by how well they are able to cooperate with each other. The better divorcing spouses are able to cooperate, the less expensive the divorce is likely to be in most cases. However, it’s important to note that there are factors beyond cooperation that impact a divorce’s cost, and not all costs in a divorce are financial.
The Financial Toll
Every divorce is different, but the reasons behind a prolonged – and therefore more expensive – divorce are usually somewhat similar. Serious disputes, fierce conflict and a lack of cooperation between the divorcing parties can result in more time and money spent. These factors push up the financial toll of a divorce because in these situations, family law professionals and attorneys are involved and go to court repeatedly. Having a family law attorney involved in a divorce case is wise because he or she can help you throughout the process, but there are fees associated with this service that can add up quickly if the divorce is prolonged. In addition, services from other professionals, such as parenting coordinators, will also add to the total of the divorce.
The Emotional Cost
Divorce can cost a family on more than one level. Parenting conflict, for example, often comes with an emotional price tag that the entire family pays. To a child, a divorce can feel like the end of a family, and it can be hard for them to cope with all the changes. The consequences for children can be significant if precautions are not taken to protect their emotional well-being early on.
The longer a divorce with a dispute is drawn out, the more emotionally taxing it becomes for everyone involved in it. On top of that, an expensive divorce can lead to money worries, which increases emotional distress overall.
Avoiding a Costly Divorce
Divorce isn’t easy, and both parties involved want to protect themselves and what they value. If you think your divorce can be peaceful but you are struggling with finalizing some issues, mediation may be an option for you. The mediator – a third party who is neutral – will help you and your spouse discuss and reach agreements on various issues. There may be tension involved, but if you and your spouse are willing to try this option, it could help keep your costs down.
Another alternate divorce method for a divorce is collaborative practice. With this option, each spouse has his or her own attorney, and all four meet to discuss and settle the divorce terms. A coach is usually involved, depending on the case. Like mediation, this approach works best when both spouses are willing to cooperate and compromise to reach agreements. If this process ends without an agreement, both spouses will have to go to court to settle their divorce.
Disagreements and conflict are often what make divorce expensive. It’s generally in your best interests to try to approach the divorce with a cooperative mindset, no matter what went on in the relationship or how it ended. Focus on your future instead of the past to help keep the financial and emotional toll of your divorce down as you go through the process. If you are not sure what your options are, speak to an experienced family law attorney about your case.