Top Tips to Keep Your Legal Costs Down During a Divorce

Mediation or Collaboration

If you are successful going down either of these routes, then you and your spouse will save thousands of pounds by avoiding litigation costs incurred by going to Court. The processes can fall down because emotions are high and crucially one or both parties are not prepared to compromise.

Agreeing a fixed cost for the divorce with your lawyer and/or barrister

If you must go down the Court route, then try and secure a fixed cost for your case at the onset.

Avoid using your lawyer as a counsellor /emotional support

Emotions will run high throughout the divorce and you may have the urge to share your worries, pain and general fears with your lawyer. Remember the clock is running and you will be charged by your lawyer – even if they are listening and not offering advice. Establish a core group of friends/family you can confide and offload your feelings during the divorce process. Stick to using your lawyer for advice on the best strategy and action plan to help dissolve your assets and sort any custody issues.

Take on some of the administration

Some law firms offer their clients the opportunity to consult legal advice on an ad-hoc basis and you do the bulk of the administration work (this is where time can easily mount up) such as chasing the Court for Hearing dates and getting the relevant forms such as Form E.

Make sure your lawyer sends you word documents and not PDFs for revisions

Be warned that some documents such as Form E’s (financial disclosure statements), Divorce Petitions and other applications can be lengthy once all details are filled in. Ask your lawyer to send you word documents rather than PDFs so you can make changes directly with track changes.

Reduce emails /phone calls

Some lawyers will charge time for reviewing and sending a response to every email even if they are not giving advice. Try to only make phone calls to your lawyer if it is important such as responding within a short timeframe. Otherwise send emails which include a number of questions or issues, so your lawyer deals with one email only.

Talk to IBB Solicitors about divorce today

The divorce process can be long-winded, confusing and stressful. For expert insight and friendly advice, talk to experts at IBB Solicitors today. Whether you’re looking for a quick, stress-free end to your marriage, want to contest parts of your separation or simply want more information on the divorce process and financial settlements, we can help. Call our high net-worth divorce experts with no obligation today on 03456 381381 or email us at familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk