Let's face it legal representation is expensive and something that we wish we did not have to pay for. However, following a few simple guidelines throughout your divorce or separation process can help save you money on legal fees.
Here are 10 tips that can help save you money on legal fees.
1. Remember time is money.
An important thing to always remember is that a lawyer's day consists of clocking up their billable time. In general they bill in incremental blocks (e.g. 6 minute blocks). Therefore the more time your lawyer spends on your case the higher your bill will be.
2. Know what is chargeable
Don't be afraid to ask your lawyer exactly what is chargeable and what is not. Some people are shocked to find out that you can be charged for their lawyer acknowledging the receipt of an email or time spent over the telephone. Once you are clear about what is billable you can at least make an educated decision about your legal services.
3. Plan ahead and be prepared
To maximise your time with your lawyer spend some time planning what you are going to talk about. If possible save your questions for one conversation or meeting rather than calling every time you have a thought or a question. The more organised you are for a meeting the less time it will take.
4. Do as much background work as possible
Spend the time to gather as much information as possible to help support your lawyer's need for detailed information. The more information you have in regards to your assets, liabilities, expenses etc the easier and quicker you will be able to relay this to your lawyer.
Ask your lawyer if they have a checklist of information (click here to see an example checklist) that they require. The more data you can provide the less time your lawyer will have to spend finding the information from other sources.
5. Get educated
The more you understand the legal process and understand what your legal team is telling you, the more in control you will feel and also the less time your lawyer will need to spend explaining things.
6. Don't sweat the small stuff
Choose your battles wisely! Remember most material items can be replaced. Do you really want to spend your hard earned cash arguing over a gravy boat?
7. Don't use your lawyer as a counsellor
It is great if you have a lawyer that you feel comfortable talking to about your emotional stress and worries, however it will be cheaper and more productive to seek professional help from a counsellor or psychologist.
8. Find a middle ground
Be willing to compromise. In general the more you are willing to co-operate and compromise on issues the quicker the process and lesser your legal costs.
9. Consider alternative dispute resolution
Going to court is an expensive, stressful and often seen as an unpleasant experience. Try hard to work together to agree on the details of your separation or divorce. If you can't establish agreements through informal discussions and negotiations bring in a third party professional such as a mediator or counsellor.
10. DIY Divorce
If you and your former partner are on good terms it may be possible to file your own divorce with the Courts. If you agree on the division of property, parenting arrangements and child support you can easily draft these agreements together, get them signed off by independent legal advisors and file them with the Courts. There are also a number of great DIY kits available to help you through the process.
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