Can You Afford Divorce?

When considering divorce, you are likely at the worst emotional point in your life. The added stress of determining whether divorce is even affordable can be completely discouraging. Maybe you have already contacted a divorce lawyer. Your have probably been told that "there is no way to predict the cost of your divorce." In the face of one of the toughest economies we have ever experienced, additional economic uncertainty is the last thing people need. For that reason, Hollingsworth & Zivitz has worked diligently for several months to create options for people needing more financial certainty for legal services. Whether your situation involves divorce, or another family law issue (paternity, adoption, custody, child support, etc), options exist to get through the legal process to alleviate unnecessary financial uncertainty.

  1. Flat-Fee Divorce. The first option for financial certainty during divorce is a "flat-fee" divorce. At Hollingsworth & Zivitz, we will consider a flat-fee rate for all cases, contested or uncontested. It is more common that clients choose the flat-fee option for "uncontested" cases, meaning, the parties agree on the major issues concerning the divorce. Depending on the particular issues of your case (i.e., whether or not you have children, whether there are retirement accounts owned by either party that require division by a qualified domestic relations order, etc.) the flat-fee amount will certainly vary. Flat-fee does not necessarily equate to "cheap;" however, if financial certainty is something that interests you, our attorneys can quote a fee to handle your divorce or family law case.
  2. Pro Se Mediation. As a result of a recent amendment to a rule governing the mediation process, mediators are allowed to be much more helpful to parties in resolving their legal issues. Our firm's mediators can now assist parties in drafting the settlement agreement, divorce decree and child support worksheets required to be filed with the court. (Our mediators also draft all necessary legal documents to resolve other family law matters, such as paternity, custody/child support disputes, etc.) Having a neutral mediator guiding you through the legal process from start to finish eliminates the need to get attorneys involved. Therefore, the total amount spent on divorce is often greatly reduced, leaving more financial resources to be divided between the divorcing parties.

Whether either of these options is appropriate for you, Hollingsworth & Zivitz is sensitive to the costs involved in getting our clients to the next best stage in their lives. Regardless of the path you pursue with your case, our firm strives to provide cost-effective legal advice at every turn, as well as tips on how you can better control your legal fees.