How To Avoid The Need For Divorce Financing

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By Sandra Hamilton


Divorces are no longer seen as disgraceful. They are, in fact, rather common and single parent households have become commonplace. Divorcing is hardly ever a civilized, sterile affair. It involves a lot of stress and many divorcing couples find the process extremely painful. Unfortunately, divorces can cost a lot of money and many couples simply do not have liquid funds sufficient to cover this cost. In such cases, they may have to look at alternative sources of finance, such as divorce financing.

Divorces almost always result in both partners being financially less well of than they were before. Assets and shares often have to be sold in less than ideal market conditions. The liquidation of some investments and shares may result in a hefty administrative fee or even severe penalties. The cost of hiring a lawyer to handle the process can also be very high. Many couples therefore find that they cannot afford divorcing.

There is some good news, however. Much can be done to restrict the expense of the process. If couples are reasonable and agree on most issues between themselves they will not spend as much time with the lawyers. This can result in significant savings. Hiring one lawyer instead of one for each partner can also cut the fees in half but then both partners must make an effort to accommodate each other.

Uncontested divorces are much, much cheaper than contested ones. In uncontested cases, both partners agree to negotiate in good faith and to approach the process in an adult and reasonable manner. They do not even have to hire a lawyer. The cost of using a licensed counsellor to drive the process is a fraction of the cost of a lawyer. The process will not only be cheaper, but also less traumatic.

If there do not seem to be any alternatives, divorcing couples can apply for a special loan. Many institutions specialize in loans meant for paying the cost of divorcing. These loans are expensive, however, and it is not uncommon to pay a commission of up to fifteen percent of the loan amount. Such loans should be seen as a last resort because they can easily plunge both partners in serious long term debt.

Many divorces become more complicated because the two partners cannot agree on the way in which their assets should be shared. If there is no money to pay for the process, it may be best to sell an asset rather than apply for a loan. Selling a asset does not involve protracted ongoing payments and high interest fees. It is often also possible to quickly liquidate investments and even pension funds in order to raise cash.

Many married couple own a special insurance policy that makes provision for legal expenses. They often purchase these policies when they get married. Cynics say this simply means that they though divorce was inevitable from the word go. This is not the case because legal problems of all sorts may rear their ugly heads at any time and it is only prudent to make provision for professional help when this happens.

Divorcing couples do not always think or act rationally. The fact remains, however, that they need to do everything possible to restrict the cost of divorcing. This can only be achieved with a reasonable attitude and a willingness to finalize the process with the minimum of fuss.




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