How To Avoid Getting Taken Advantage of in Divorce
Everybody going through a divorce wants to avoid being taken advantage of. So, what does a person need to do?
First, What Not TO Do
1. Don’t believe everything you read on the web. What you read can apply to a different state or county, so it might not apply to your situation.
2. Don’t believe everything your friends tell you. There can be differences in their situation, differences you don’t realize, so the appropriate outcome for your case might be completely different.
3. Please don’t do it alone. Some people believe they can learn everything they need to know on the web, so they retain no professionals to assist them.
What To Do
1. Understand your finances. Some people retain an attorney because they think their finances are too complicated, so they want help. An attorney does not know what you owe or own unless you gather the information. An attorney does not know your monthly expenses unless you tell them. An attorney will not know whether keeping the house makes sense financially unless you detail your monthly budget. Understand your finances so YOU can make good decisions.
2. Avoid fighting in litigation through the courts. Attorney fees average $15,000 - $70,000 per spouse. Most people can achieve the desired results without paying all those fees.
3. Most people achieve the best results if they work together to resolve their divorce. You have a few options to do so.
You can retain an attorney just for advice so that you understand the law and what you are entitled to.
You can retain an attorney to negotiate on your behalf to avoid filing litigation.
You can retain an attorney-mediator to educate you on the law and help you determine what is best for you and your family.
I have assisted over 1,500 couples in achieving a successful resolution through mediation. The average cost is $1,600 - $2,100 per couple. The benefits of divorce mediation are that people are delighted with the results, it is much easier for them to move on after the dissolution, and it improves parenting relationships.
Call me at 440.724-3197 or email me at Laurie@MaloneMediationAndLaw.com so I can assist you in achieving your desired results. With an office in Independence, I serve Cleveland, Akron, and all of Cuyahoga, Summit, and Medina counties.