While some divorce costs are inevitable, there are clear ways to save money throughout the process. Here are 4 easy tips to keep the cost of a divorce down.
1. Get Organized with Your Financial Documents
One of the most effective ways to cut costs is by organizing your financial documents ahead of time. You will be asked to provide extensive records—bank statements, credit card records, tax returns, and more, sometimes dating back three years.
If your attorney is sifting through piles of unsorted statements, rename files, and request missing pieces, the billable hours will pile up fast. Instead, take charge: label your files clearly (e.g., “Chase Checking Ending in 5431”), sort them into folders, and make sure nothing is missing. This simple effort can save you hours of attorney and staff time—translating directly into money saved.
2. Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring an Attorney
Not all attorneys bill the same way. Some may charge by the tenth of an hour, while others round up to the nearest quarter hour. Some may have both a partner and an associate review the documents, effectively doubling the cost for the same work.
It is best to ask about billing practices during your initial consultation. Questions like “Do you bill in one tenth of an hour or one quarter of an hour increments?” or “Will you have both a partner and an associate involved in my case?” Specific questions can give you a clearer picture of potential costs. Also, inquire about a typical range of costs for cases like yours—it’s not a guarantee, but it helps set expectations.
3. Improve Direct Communication with Your Spouse
As hard as it may be during a divorce, maintaining direct communication with your spouse can save a lot of money. Basic life decisions—like switching parenting time or rescheduling an activity—can become costly if routed through attorneys.
Every time your attorney drafts or responds to a message that could have been a quick conversation, you are billed. If you can agree to communicate civilly about day-to-day logistics, you can avoid unnecessary legal fees.
4. Consider the Collaborative Divorce Process
Litigation pits spouses against each other, leading to poor communication and inflated legal costs. Collaborative Divorce, on the other hand, involves a team of professionals—including communication coaches—who help you and your spouse to stay focused and civil.
While not a silver bullet, the collaborative approach is designed to model respectful communication that can continue post-divorce, reducing friction (and costs) down the line.
Small Steps Can Lead to Significant Savings
In short, saving money in your divorce starts with being proactive: get organized, ask the right questions, communicate when you can, and explore alternatives to court. These small steps can lead to big savings—and a smoother process overall
Patrick Markey is a Chicago based attorney who is an advocate of no court divorce options. He believes Collaborative Divorce and Mediation create better outcomes to your divorce process. Mr. Markey is a member of Super Lawyers, an elite group of 5% of top lawyers (https://superlawyers.com)
The Law Offices of Patrick Markey, P.C., are located at 180 Stetson Avenue, Suite 3500 in Chicago, Illinois. You may call us at 312-223-1764