How to Pay for Divorce if You Can’t Afford a Lawyer

Financial pressures in the United States are greater than ever, with many spouses living paycheck to paycheck and struggling with increasing credit card debt. If you find yourself in this situation, you might think that affording a divorce is essentially impossible. How will you pay your divorce lawyer if you can’t even pay your bills? This is one of the many reasons why spouses stay in marriages despite wanting nothing more than to walk away. But are there other options available if you want to fund your divorce?

Your Spouse May Be Forced to Pay Your Legal Fees

The first thing you need to realize is that your spouse may be required to pay your legal fees. This is true if your spouse was the primary wage earner during the marriage, and you were financially dependent on them. If your spouse controls access to the marital assets, you can legally require them to pay for your legal costs — including the cost of hiring a lawyer. The logic is that you’re going to get access to these funds anyway after the divorce, so the court allows you to take some right away to pay for your lawyer.

Consider Selling Assets

You might also consider selling certain assets to pay for the cost of a lawyer. If you and your spouse own real estate, for example, you might want to sell this and use the proceeds for your legal fees. Of course, you have to weigh up the pros and cons of losing access to shelter — and you may each end up renting separate properties for higher living costs. Sometimes, however, the need to end the relationship and start fresh outweighs the financial benefit of owning a home. There are many other assets you may be able to sell to pay for your legal fees, including vehicles, collectibles, boats, and so on.

Choose a Collaborative Divorce or Mediation

One of the cheapest ways to deal with a divorce is to pursue something called “collaborative law.” This allows you to sidestep the usual divorce trial and resolve most divorce-related issues outside of court. Because you are dodging the time-consuming trial process, you’ll spend less on legal fees. This process is also less stressful, more private, and easier on the kids.

The only thing you need to keep in mind is that collaborative divorce is only possible if both spouses agree to the process. If your spouse insists on taking you to court, you have no choice but to face these higher expenses.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Divorce Attorney in Mississippi?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced divorce attorney in Mississippi, look no further than Ballard Law, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous divorcing spouses in the Magnolia State — and we are well aware of the financial limitations that many Americans face today. Paying for your divorce might be easier than you realize, so book a consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.

Sources

1. https://www.oprah.com/relationships/what-to-do-when-you-cant-afford-a-divorce
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_law

Ballard Law, PLLC

108 S President St.
Jackson, MS 39201
(769) 572-5111

If you have further questions about this article or legal concerns, call 800-672-3103