Divorce may be one of the hardest decisions you have to make in your life here in Georgia, but it does not necessarily have to be one of the most expensive. Knowing how and where to save can help you maintain your peace of mind.

Consult legal professionals only as much as necessary and avoid Hearings / Trial

Ultimately, a divorce and the division of assets should be your choice and yours alone. Your attorney should use his or her skills to effectuate your wishes in the most efficient and correct way possible. If you are cost-averse, then there are some ways to manage your legal expenses. Lawyers must follow a legal procedure that can sometimes feel like it is taking longer than necessary. Remember that the court systems and the attorneys have many other matters to resolve. The more negotiating and decision making you can reach on your own, the more cost and time efficient your case will be. Minimizing court time will also minimize time and expense. Therefore, with that being said, you must…

Develop a willingness to negotiate

Decide what is most important to you in your divorce in regard to marital property. If you do not think you can afford the upkeep and mortgage payments on your current house, let your soon-to-be-ex-spouse have it without argument. A willingness to negotiate saves time, money, minimizes frustration, resolves the case, and the ultimate issue, divorce, is achieved as quickly as possible.

Use your lawyer’s time efficiently

In many cases, you are billed each time you meet with, call, or email your lawyer. While your lawyer is sympathetic to your case and the difficulties of divorce, using your lawyer as a shoulder to cry on can increase your legal expenses in a hurry.

This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.

Cook & Tolley, LLP
304 E Washington St
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 549-6111
https://www.cooktolley.com/