A big consideration in getting divorced for most people is inevitably the cost of getting divorced. This is why a question that comes up all the time in family law matters is ‘just how much does it cost to get a divorce?’
The purpose of this article is to provide some clarity on the question of ‘how much does it get to get a divorce?’ by providing information on both the financial and emotional costs of divorce.
The Household Structure
Divorce is a situation comes up time and time again in the field of family law.
Couples too often will stay together not out of love or for the sake of their children. But instead, because it is simply financially viable to do so. This arrangement often occurs because of the financially heavily reliant dynamic of many relationships.
Although this has changed dramatically with modern notions of equality and what the household structure looks like, the most common relationship dynamic we still see is where the husband is the breadwinner, and the mother is responsible for the upkeep of the home and children.
The Financial Costs Of Getting Divorced
Some fees for divorce are set-in-stone. One such example of this is an application for divorce, which has a filing fee of $930 as of March, 2021. Please note however, this figure increases yearly. A reduced fee of $330, or even a complete exemption is also possible in some circumstances.
So how much does it cost to get a divorce? The absolute cheapest of divorces will cost in the $2000 range. However, this is a mere fraction of what can be expected to pay in the legal battles which often accompany divorces, such as disputes over the division of property and parenting arrangements.
These fees are made up of filing fees for applications, court fees and legal fees, the sum of which can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars, and sometimes even the six-figure range if proceedings are dragged out for years. The cost will often hinge on the complexity of the case and the bitterness amongst a former couple which only motivates them to pursue the matter relentlessly in the courtroom.
The Emotional Cost Of Getting Divorced
What most people do not consider when asking the question of ‘how much does it cost to get a divorce?’ is the emotional cost of the ordeal.
Divorce settlements can often drag out for years, and people do not consider the stress and emotional toll divorce proceedings can have on them. Our firm has personally witnessed time and time again, individuals going through a divorce experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety because of the process, and need the assistance of psychologists, counsellors or doctors.
How To Make Divorce Financially More Accessible
Clearly, couples staying together simply because it is financially viable to do so is an issue for their own happiness, and will even impact the wellbeing of the couple’s children. One solution to this issue would be a different payment structure with law firms. This would mean a loan to be paid out on settlement would make the decision easier here. For some partners, the financial worries in separating or divorce are the sole factor in remaining together, whereas it is a contributing factor for others but not determinative.
Another issue that commonly arises in the scope of the financial costs resulting from a divorce or separating is its aftermath.
As previously mentioned, these relationship dynamics where one partner is the breadwinner and the other is the caretaker are prevalent. This is because of the informal agreement made amongst couples that one will be a stay-at-home parent responsible for the home and children, and the other will financially provide for the family. However, because of these agreements, the partner staying at home forgoes study and employment opportunities. The end result is an intense reliance placed upon their partner to financially provide for them, the effect of which is compounded the longer a couple stays together. This is why the financial difficulty associated with ending a relationship is often a reason for older couples to remain together
If you can, for a moment, place yourself in the shoes of an older person in a marriage who is reliant on their partner. It is hard to imagine being married for the majority of your life, with no education, qualifications or work experience, to all of a sudden being thrown in the deep end with no home or means of providing for yourself.
Importance of Seeking Legal Advice
It is important to note when discussing the question of ‘How much does it cost to get a divorce’ to remember that while there are some set fees and costs, the final costs can range extremely depending on a number of circumstances. You should discuss your particular circumstances with a family law professional to obtain the most accurate estimate.
Here at JB Solicitors, we’ll make the process as pain-free as possible. We have fixed-fee pricing for family law, giving you a clear sense of the costs from the start and we will be sure to help you out every step of the way. With years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on making each client’s family law experience as positive as possible.
Contact JB Solicitors today to speak with one of our friendly and experienced family lawyers.
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If you have any more questions about how much does it cost to get a divorce, or any other family law matters head over to our blog section for more informative articles on a wide range of family law topics.
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