Low-Cost Options to Obtain a Legal Divorce

It seems like every time I turn on the news, pick up a magazine, or talk with members of our community, the topic of this sluggish economy surfaces.  The other afternoon I was waiting in the grocery line and picked up what I would consider a "fluff" magazine.  It was rife with low-cost alternatives to almost any and everything that you could imagine.  Articles covered topics such as low-cost skin products - taking to the kitchen cupboard to find natural (and cheaper) alternatives to expensive boutique exfoliants; or how to plan a low-budget, but family-friendly vacation.  These days, everyone is struggling and becoming creative in finding ways to save money.  But saving money shouldn't mean going without, cutting corners, or skimping in the important areas of your life.

Now, to be completely honest, I didn't think too much of these articles once it was my time to check out and head home.  But, a conversation I had a few days later with some friends brought these articles back to my mind and got me thinking about one of the programs our law group offers.

Impact of the Economy on Marriage

While at a luncheon, I was talking with a group of people about a real estate developer who is going bankrupt and the effect it was having on an unfinished planned community.  As conversations go, one thing led to another, and suddenly we were talking about the economy's effect on people's everyday lives and the legal profession.  We were discussing which practice areas wouldn't be hit hard by a down economy, and all of a sudden, one of the women in the group started talking about how many friends she had that wanted a divorce but had decided to stay in their marraiges because of finances.  Many firms ask for high retainers for family law cases, and with limited funds and already struggling to pay the "everyday" bills of life (mortgages, groceries, etc), these high retainers turn many people away.  I was completely shocked that people would stay in unhappy or unhealthy situations because of the economy, but it also made so much sense.  It was truly an "ah-ha" moment.

Options for Low Cost Divorce

Hearing this made me think of one of the programs our law group offers, and it truly made me proud that we offer such a program, especially during times of such economic turbulence.  Our firm offers a Do-It-Yourself Divorce and Separation Program.  A DIY Divorce is $99 and a DIY Separation is $149.  Now, this program won't be for everyone, but at least I know we are one firm who offers a cheaper alternative to high retainers for those couples out there who are splitting amicably, can agree on terms of their divorce, or who don't have significant property and assets to protect and equitably divide.  If you don't have children, or you have children but can agree on custody and support, why should you pay in the thousands just so you can obtain a divorce?

Who is Best for This Type of Divorce?

This program does work best for those couples who can agree on the terms of their divorce and, I think, can be a less stressful process.  Now, I know I am an attorney, but I'm still human.  I know that sometimes throwing an attorney (or two) in the mix can make what would have been a simple, humane process a constant battle.

If you think this program could work for you, I would encourage you to contact us to further discuss it as an alternative to paying a high retainer when you and your spouse could have simply agreed with one another.

Now, you're probably wondering, "how does this work?" Basically, after completing a conflicts check (to make sure we aren't representing or haven't represented an opposing party), we send you a link to a paypal account.  Once you pay, we send you a Separation Agreement or Complaint for Divorce with highlighted fields for you to enter your information.  You and your sposue negotiate together, fill out the forms, and then send back to us.  We review the paperwork to make sure all provisions are legally viable and enforceable and then return to you with instructions regarding how to file and/or make it enforceable.

If you think this program could work for you, please contact us to learn more!