Divorce can be costly. Legal fees and expert consultation sessions quickly add up.
Quality legal counsel can make all the difference in your divorce case. But where can you find money for legal services if you lack funds? Here are some options:.
Ask Your Spouse
Divorce can be emotionally exhausting, but it doesn’t need to break your finances. There are various resources available to you that can assist with covering the various costs associated with divorce.
A good attorney should provide an upfront list of fees so you know exactly what to expect, as well as information on their communication style during your case, including an estimated timeframe for getting back in touch.
If you lack the funds to afford legal representation, legal aid societies offer free legal assistance through self-help tools that ask a series of questions and use your answers to automatically complete any court required forms for you.
Borrow Money
Divorce can be an expensive endeavor that leaves you paying for everything from legal fees and expert consultation sessions to your own bills. These costs can quickly add up, leaving it more difficult than ever to stay afloat financially.
If you have savings or investments, borrowing money to cover the costs associated with divorce could be a viable solution if your credit is excellent and repayment of loans could be handled swiftly and timely.
Check with your local legal aid society or volunteer lawyers program through your bar association to see if you qualify for free or low-cost legal representation. These programs will file fee waiver papers on your behalf; in certain instances the court may choose to defer your fee payments altogether.
Borrow from Your 401(k) or Retirement Account
Divorce can be costly. Court fees, attorney’s fees and expert consultation fees all add up quickly – with court appearance fees alone costing thousands of dollars in itself!
Charge these expenses directly onto a credit card, though doing so could adversely impact your score. Another solution would be opening an exclusive credit card in your name and charging these costs there instead.
If you have a 401(k) or retirement account, borrowing money from it to cover attorney’s fees may be possible; this should only be done if it is certain that a lump sum will result from the divorce settlement agreement.
Crowdfunding sites may also help raise the funds necessary to cover legal fees on a budget, providing low-income individuals or domestic violence survivors an option when hiring counsel on a limited budget.
Ask Your Friends and Family
Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining. If family and friends know your situation, they may offer financial support by loaning money for attorney and other costs related to your divorce process.
If you don’t have enough money for a lawyer, explore your state’s options for legal aid societies that provide representation at either no or low costs to eligible individuals.
When interviewing potential attorneys, make sure to inquire about their experience and approach. Ask if they prefer a collaborative or more aggressive style; ultimately you should feel at ease and confident with your attorney. You should also inquire how they plan on communicating with you throughout the process and if there will be additional costs that you should keep in mind.
Take Out a Loan
Divorce attorneys typically provide payment plans to help their clients finance legal fees, which allows them to pay costs monthly installments without taking out loans or using credit cards. This option may be especially appealing to those looking for alternatives to taking out personal loans or using a credit card for the cost.
If you decide to borrow money, make sure the lender you select has an excellent customer service reputation. When borrowing from family, remember this may put strain on relationships; therefore a written agreement detailing borrowing terms and repayment should be created prior to giving any funds over.
Alternative strategies could include crowdfunding sites as a method to raise funds from friends and strangers alike. While this approach could be quick and simple, be wary that you don’t put yourself into debt over your divorce.
