How to Get Divorced – The Cheapest Way
Divorce is never an easy thing. The process alone can be very difficult, especially when there are disputed financial issues between two parties. This is often compounded by the emotional and mental stress involved during that time. The consequences of the divorce process can be even more devastating. This is the reason why many separating couples look for the least expensive ways to get divorced. The truth is that the cheapest way to legally emancipate yourself from a spouse is through an uncontested divorce. As unlikely as it may seem, an uncontested divorce means that the two parties involved have an amicable understanding to go their separate ways. This sometimes happens between couples who have no children (or minor children) to fight for custody over; no properties to liquidate; no joint financial accounts; no legal issues to address (for example, unpaid back taxes); and that both spouses complete and file the necessary documents as soon as possible.
Cases like these are relatively rare, and expedited divorce proceedings generally mean “faster” than the conventional process implies. However, you can move towards a quick divorce as long as you’re willing to do most of the footwork and keep your head firmly on your shoulders. The first thing you have to do is hire or seek the services of a divorce counselor. Although this could involve significant cash flow, a divorce counselor would be invaluable in such a legal proceeding. Your counselor will tell you what forms you will need to fill out and complete, where to file them, and set up your day in divorce court. You can always ask a lawyer to handle your case pro bono if financial payment is a major issue.
However, you can sign up for legal prepaid plans when available. These plans allow full legal advice on a monthly basis. You do not have to retain the services of a full-time attorney, but you should do most or all of the legwork necessary to file your papers with the divorce courts. Examples of some of the jobs expected of you are: completing court forms, making copies, filing similar forms with your spouse, keeping track of your spouse’s form, acquiring necessary legal documentation (such as income tax returns, rent, SSS, labor certification, residential certification, etc.) and finally submitting the necessary documents to an assigned Divorce Law Clerk. If you prefer to forego legal representation entirely, it would be best to check your local, county, and state laws regarding divorce court proceedings. There are also online forms and DIY divorce kits available.
Your next step is to talk to your future ex-spouse. This can be the hardest thing to do, but try to make sure he or she knows that a quicker procedure would leave less emotional scarring on both of you. Try to make this transition as smooth as possible, so you both don’t argue over small details and long-forgotten issues that can cause proceedings to drag on for a long period of time. Try to solve everything from the beginning. This will help limit your expenses to a minimum.
