Divorces almost always result in both partners being financially less well of than they were before. Assets and shares often have to be sold in less than ideal market conditions. The liquidation of some investments and shares may result in a hefty administrative fee or even severe penalties. The cost of hiring a lawyer to handle the process can also be very high. Many couples therefore find that they cannot afford divorcing.
If divorcing couples can manage to be reasonable, they will realized that there is much that they can do to decrease the cost of the process. The legal fee can be substantially lower, for example, if only one lawyer is hired. The cost can be cut even further by privately agreeing on important issues instead of spending time in the office of a lawyer fighting about small matters.
Contested divorces are often spectacularly expensive because the couple simply cannot come to agreement on important issues. In such cases expert witnesses, which are very expensive, may be needed. The case can take up a lot of tie in the court and each day in court result in very steep legal costs. The best route is to agree to an uncontested divorce. Only one lawyer needs to be paid and he will not spend a lot of time on the case.
If the cost of the process is still too high, a loan can be considered. Their are numerous financiers that specialize in processing divorcing loans. Unfortunately, such loans also come at a steep price and very severe terms and conditions. It is absolutely vital to carefully study the terms and conditions of such loans.
One alternative to borrowing cash to pay for divorces is to rather consider selling an asset or liquidating some investments. This may deplete the value of the estate, but in the long run it will almost certainly be cheaper than borrowing. In some cases it is even possible to borrow at much better rates against pension funds and fixed long term investments. These options should be discussed with a financial advisor.
Many newly married couples purchase special insurance policies that specifically make provision for the cost of legal services in the future. To many this may sound like callous planning for a certain future divorce. This is not necessarily the case, because such policies can also be important if the couple encounter other types of legal problems. It may be a good idea to approach a financial advisor in this regard.
Divorcing couples do not always think or act rationally. The fact remains, however, that they need to do everything possible to restrict the cost of divorcing. This can only be achieved with a reasonable attitude and a willingness to finalize the process with the minimum of fuss.
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