Choosing to get divorced is likely to be one of the hardest decisions you ever make. No one enters into a marriage with the expectation that it will end in divorce. Still, it is an unfortunate fact that some marriages cannot withstand certain trials and tribulations. Depending on your circumstances, your divorce costs may be substantial, and you may be looking at ways to reduce the total cost of your divorce. A Des Moines divorce lawyer can help you work that out.
Getting Divorced in Des Moines
One of the most important decisions you can make in your divorce process is hiring the right lawyer to represent you and your interests. You should bring someone into your case who can provide you with compassion, empathy, experience, knowledge, and tenacity, among other factors. A good divorce lawyer can help you with the filing process, provide you with peace of mind that your case is being handled the right way, and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of.
Many divorces do not go through without a fight. While it is possible that you and your partner could simply fall out of love and decide to divorce amicably without tension, resentment, or the need to hurt one another, that may not always apply to every divorce case. Many divorces are contested rather than uncontested, and a contested divorce tends to be considerably more expensive and painful.
Working out custody arrangements and alimony with someone who is unwilling to compromise can be a stressful and overwhelming situation, but it is necessary to finalize the end of your marriage.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Your Divorce
The total cost of your divorce is going to be different from every other divorce case. Everyone’s situation is different. What impacts your divorce may not impact someone else’s. Each divorce case has its own details and circumstances that make it unique. Here are some of the different factors that could influence your total divorce cost:
- Lawyer’s Fees: Every divorce lawyer will charge a different amount for their services, and it is important that you find someone you can trust and rely on to represent you. A divorce lawyer’s fee will be influenced by their experience, education, resources, availability, and the complexity of the case. The amount of time and effort your lawyer puts into your case will be reflected in their fee.
- Prolonged Litigation: Generally, what makes a contested divorce so expensive is the ongoing litigation costs. A contested divorce takes a long time to finalize, and the spouse contesting the divorce tends to have no problem dragging things out for as long as possible for their own reasons.
Sometimes, it’s simply to drain your finances or hurt you out of spite. Other times, they may be holding out hope that you will give up on the divorce. - Spousal Support: Depending on the circumstances of the divorce, you may be required to pay your spouse ongoing spousal support, also called alimony. It is largely up to the judge presiding over your case. If you are ordered to pay alimony to your spouse, that can be a commitment that lasts years, and it will likely be a significant drain on your finances.
- Child Custody: One of the hardest elements of a divorce case is deciding on a child custody arrangement and a parenting plan. Divorced couples who also have to consider their children’s well-being may find themselves spending more on a divorce than childless couples. It may be easier if you can work out a parenting plan with your spouse before involving the court.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce in the United States?
A: There is no way to determine the average cost of a divorce in the United States. Divorce laws are different in every state, and each divorce case is different. A divorce is a situation unique to each person going through it. When going through a divorce, you have to take many different factors into consideration when determining how much the process will cost, including your lawyer’s fees, spousal support, child support, and litigation costs.
Q: What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce?
A: Generally, the cheapest way to get divorced is to work towards an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, you and your partner can work everything out amongst yourselves without involving the courts or even attorneys. You are on the same page with child custody, alimony, and asset division. Neither party wants to hurt the other. It’s the smoothest possible divorce, but several couples are not able to work things out this way.
Q: Is Iowa a No-Fault Divorce State?
A: Yes, Iowa is a no-fault divorce state. This means that you are not required to prove any wrongdoing by your partner in order to proceed with a divorce. All that matters is that your marriage has become irrevocably broken, and you want it to end. While wrongdoing won’t factor into whether or not you can get a divorce, it may play a part in deciding alimony or child custody. Be sure to document evidence of wrongdoing when you can.
Q: Why Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?
A: Going through a divorce is not an easy process. There are many different elements at play and paperwork that needs to be filed by certain deadlines. You may not be in a good mindset during your divorce, and that’s understandable. It is likely an emotional time for you. A good divorce lawyer can take charge of your case, allowing you to grieve for your relationship and focus on healing. Having a lawyer on your side can help make a difference.
Contact a Lawyer Today
There are many different factors that will influence your total divorce costs, and not all of them are avoidable. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you figure out what your total costs may be and how to handle them when the time comes. The legal team at Stange Law Firm understands how difficult this process can be. We can help you successfully navigate through it. Contact us to speak with a team member about a possible consultation.
