Divorce can be an extremely taxing process, both emotionally and financially. Here are a few tips on how to save money in a divorce case, from the divorce experts at The Edmunds Law Firm.
Clearly Written Fee Agreement
With any contract, it is important to provide a narrow scope with clearly written financial agreements. The majorities of qualified and experienced lawyers require a retainer and charge by the hour, deducting from the retainer until the account is exhausted, then charging the client for the remaining costs incurred. Some clients may look for a lawyer who works on a flat fee, assuming that it will save them money. An issue with that is that because all work is pre-paid, the divorce attorney may feel like they can get away with doing only the minimum. A flat fee takes away the monetary incentive for a lawyer to put in the time and effort to win your case. A client may feel like a flat fee lawyer is ignoring their case, and that lawyer may feel like the client is trying to take up more of their time than they should. No matter what pay structure you set up with your divorce lawyer, make sure you are both on the same page with a clearly written fee contract. This contract should include all of the important details and terms of representation, rates, whether the retainer is refundable and how often you will receive statements. When you and your lawyer are in a common understanding about money, you can be sure you are getting exactly what you pay for.
Divorce Lawyers make Expensive Therapists
As mentioned above, lawyers usually charge on a per hour basis, so be careful about wasting your money and their time on emotional stresses. Divorce is a very difficult and emotionally stressful time, and it may be easy to get carried away talking to the one person who is firmly on your side. Keep in mind that your lawyer is here for legal counsel and not personal therapy. Although they are there at your convenience to help you, their meter is running every time you talk to them, and divorce lawyers make very expensive therapists. Avoid ranting and venting to your lawyer by preparing your list of questions before calling. Also consider filling the therapist role with just that, a therapist. Separating your emotional well being with your legal wellbeing will help you communicate with your lawyer with a level head and will make your case more focused and effective.
Dont use your Attorney to Negotiate a Division of Personal Items
A divorcing couple who was married for any amount of time most likely has many shared personal items that need to be distributed in the divorce process. Although this is an important process in the divorce, it is not a very valuable use of your lawyers time. As much as possible, try to divide these items between you and your spouse without the necessary intervening of a divorce attorney. What it comes down to is saving money on arguing on the clock about items that dont hold the market value of the time spent arguing. Let your attorney deal with large ticket items such as real estate and bank accounts instead of a couch or blender.
Dont Waste Money Trying to Save Money
Of course finances are a huge and very important aspect of a divorce settlement, and the selection of a divorce attorney should be a decision made with finances in mind. However, that does not mean choosing the cheapest lawyer you can find. Cutting costs on a divorce attorney could end up costing you way more in the long run. The thing to keep in mind is that an experienced divorce attorney holds more value than a cheap or inexperienced attorney. Your legal counsel should be able to reach a reasonable settlement as soon as possible, saving money on legal fees as well as making sure you dont lose everything in the divorce. A skillful and effective lawyer will help you find the balance between a fair settlement and reasonable legal fees.

If you are in the San Diego, Del Mar, or Oceanside area of California, call the divorce attorneys at The Edmunds Law Firm for a free case analysis.