New Jersey is one of the most expensive states in terms of divorce. The average NJ divorce will cost around $12,500. It can be difficult to determine whether or not you can afford to get a divorce because there are hidden and extensive fees involved. Speak with an experienced Union County divorce attorney to discuss your options.
What Costs Need to Be Considered During a Divorce?
So why does a divorce cost so much? Consider the following expenses.
- Filing fees: Filing the paperwork for your divorce is one of the first costs you will have to pay. In New Jersey, filing fees cost $325 for couples with children and $300 for couples without.
- Attorney fees: Hiring a good attorney is important in any divorce case. They are your biggest advocate and understand how to protect your rights. With that said, it is expensive to hire a lawyer. You will likely have to pay a retainer to retain their services and you will be billed anywhere from around $200 to $500 per hour.
- Expert advice: Resolving some issues may require the help of professionals. When dividing houses and other property, an appraiser may be necessary to determine the value of homes, jewelry, artwork, etc. Forensic accountants or economic professionals can help when looking at financial information, especially when one or both spouses have their own business. Custody experts and therapists can also be beneficial when determining child custody arrangements.
- Post-divorce expenses: After your divorce, you and your spouse will no longer live under one roof with joint incomes. You will have to pay for housing, insurance, and other expenses on your own. You could be required to pay child support or alimony as well.
How Can I Save Money During My Divorce?
As stated, divorce can be an expensive burden to take on, especially in New Jersey. Many people may get discouraged when they learn the extent of the costs associated with divorce, and some couples even choose to stay legally married simply to avoid the expenses. However, there are some ways that couples can cut costs during the divorce process.
The costs that add up the quickest are attorney and court fees. You can try to limit the amount of time spent in court by working on agreements with your spouse. If your relationship is amicable enough to sit down and work together, try to discuss matters like child custody and property division on your own. It can take a lot of time for a court to go through each item and determine which spouse should take ownership. They also will not know any emotional or historical sentiments that tie either of you to a piece of property. Try and have a general agreement that you can bring to your attorneys to limit the time waiting for a decision.
Litigation is one of the things that makes divorces so costly. There are alternative dispute resolutions that you and your spouse may consider. Mediation and collaborative divorce have proven successful for many couples and allow you to avoid wasting time and money.
