Keep costs down by staying out of the courtroom.
Divorce isn’t just emotionally draining, it’s a financial beast too.
The more you can work out your differences and create solutions together, outside of the courtroom, the cheaper and quicker this entire process will be.
The fastest, cheapest, and most peaceful divorces take place outside the courtroom.
An Uncontested Divorce can save major money.
Here’s a quick refresher on “Uncontested” vs “Contested” divorces –
- Uncontested Divorce – Spouses agree on ALL terms of a divorce. (IE how to divide money and property, share debt, care for children)
- Contested Divorce – Spouses disagree on divorce terms, requiring a judge to make the final decisions through the court process.
How do I get to an uncontested divorce?
Negotiate With Your Parnter. Communicating clearly and calmly with your ex can be hard. And it’s so important. (Don’t miss these 🔥 communication tips below!)
✅ Find common ground, one baby step at a time.
✅ Remind yourself that small wins lead to big success
✅ Take it one decision at a time. Build trust through small agreements
Hire The Right Experts, At The Right Time. You don’t need to navigate divorce solo—hiring the right experts can save time, money, and headaches.
💡 Mediators help couples tackle tough topics like child custody and spousal support without stepping into a courtroom. At $200–$800 per session, mediation can be a cost-effective alternative to drawn-out legal battles. Bonus: Some states require mediation for parents and might even cover the cost.
💡 Therapists are a game-changer for managing stress and making clear-headed decisions. Divorce is emotional so get your head right. They’re especially helpful if your kids need extra support.
💡 Financial Experts (ie CDFA) will ensure your financial decisions today don’t hurt your future. From taxes to property division, their insights are worth every penny.
💡 Realtors are invaluable if selling or dividing property is on the table. They strategize with you and help you get the best deal so that you can focus on moving on.
💡 Divorce Attorneys bring essential legal expertise to the process and transaction of divorce. Having one in your corner that you like and trust is invaluable.
What if I still can’t afford a divorce?
Worried about how to pay for your divorce without drowning in debt? You’re not alone, and there are solutions to help 👇
Credit Cards – Many couples use credit cards to finance their divorce, and pay the balances with proceeds from the marital home sale. Depending on your financial situation, credit score, and comfort, this may be the best strategy. If you have good credit, you may qualify for a card with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months + which will allow you to avoid interest charges!
✅ Pros: No interest with %0 APR and allows you to spread payments over time without added cost.
🚩 Cons: Interest rates are often much higher than loans and your credit limit may not cover all of the costs of divorce.
🔥 Tip: Only open a credit card in your name, not a shared account with your ex.
Divorce Loans = A personal loan used to pay for the costs of divorce. Banks, credit unions, or companies specializing in divorce financing lend you money to cover your expenses and you repay them over time, with interest. It’s generally more affordable than a credit card, thanks to lower interest rates.
✅ Pros: Quick access to funds. Manageable monthly payments. Timely payments can boost your credit score.
🚩 Cons: Late payments can harm your credit. Adds to monthly financial obligations. May limit your flexibility for other expenses.
🔥 Tip: Keep an eye out for predatory loans. Read the fine print and go in with your eyes wide open.
401(k) Loan – If you have a 401(k), you may be able to borrow up to $50,000 to cover divorce costs.
✅ This does not impact your credit and you don’t have to deal with an outside lender (because your are borrowing from yourself.)
🚩 If you leave your current job, the loan payment may become due immediately and you will miss out on potential investment growth by taking your money out of the market.
🔥 If your job is stable and you’re confident you can repay, a 401(k) loan might be worth considering… but check in with a finance pro first!
A Few Other Ideas To Explore 👇
- Legal Aid – Legal aid offers free or low-cost assistance for low-income individuals. Services range from advice to full representation. You might qualify for free help with your divorce if you meet certain income requirements.
- Fee Waivers – Court filing fees can add up quickly, but if your income qualifies, you may be able to avoid them entirely.
- Payment Plans – Some lawyers (or 3rd party platforms) will allow you to pay over time.
Online Divorce Services like Hello Divorce. They offer affordable plans, from state-compliant legal forms to full legal and financial support.
We’re here to help you get started👇