Many couples who decide to file for divorce wonder how much it will cost them. Generally, it is the monetary value they are referencing. However, many are also curious about the amount of time it will take to complete the process. The following information can give you some guidance, regardless of whether you are planning on filing for a complex, high asset divorce or a simple, uncontested marital dissolution.

Factors That Can Influence the Time and Cost of Your Divorce

Because every divorce is unique to the circumstances of the couple in question, it is not possible to give a general amount when it comes to the time and monetary costs of divorce. However, there are some factors that can be used to determine if your divorce may cost more or less, or if the time frame will be shorter or longer. These factors may include, but are not limited to:

• The value of your marital estate (joint assets to be divided);
• You and your spouse’s ability to successfully negotiating the terms of your divorce settlement and child-related matters (i.e. the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time);
• The amount of cooperation between you and your spouse during the discovery process (when assets, information, and details regarding your case are disclosed); and
• The propensity for misbehavior or disagreement during the proceeding (i.e. asset hiding, failure to abide by court rulings, etc.).

Generally speaking, if these factors are experienced as a negative part of your divorce (contention, disagreement, misbehavior), then your divorce will likely be longer with more cost. Alternatively, if these factors are positive – or you have a more agreeable divorce – then your costs and time spent on the process will generally be lower.

Taking Responsibility for Your Part

While you, yourself, cannot alter the way that your spouse behaves during the divorce process, you can take responsibility for your own part. If, for example, you and your spouse have been in negotiations to determine the distribution of your marital property and you simply cannot agree on whether the house should be sold or kept, try taking a step back for just a moment.

Are you really interested in keeping the house, or are you simply arguing over it because you are angry or hurt? This is simply just an example – and it is by no means an easy answer since divorce, in and of itself, contains layers of complex emotions that can be difficult for anyone to navigate. However, it can help you to put things in perspective. This can be especially helpful for those engaged in a long, drawn out battle,

Get the Comprehensive Representation You Deserve

It can be difficult to determine what is worth fighting for in divorce, and what is not. This is why our experienced Orland Park family law attorneys work with you, one-on-one, throughout the entire process. We ensure you understand how each decision made will likely impact your future, protect your rights, and aggressively litigate on your behalf, whenever necessary. Committed to protecting your interests, we work toward the most favorable outcome possible for your situation. To learn more, call 708-518-8200 and schedule your free initial consultation today.

Source:

http://www.cbsnews.com/media/the-cheapest-and-costliest-states-to-divorce/