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No-fault divorce: a cost-effective option for a tight budget

On Behalf of | May 17, 2013 | Divorce

Before worrying about the invariable finical ramifications of finalizing a divorce in Texas, many are concerned with affording the divorce itself rather than the aftermath. Obtaining a divorce is not free, but it does not have to be an expense that is out of reach.

Many in Texas continue to experience financial hardship in the wake of the economic downturn. Particularly for couples in this position, many find the idea of filing for divorce with forms made available online by the Texas Supreme Court to be a very appealing option. For a select population of couples in Texas, this is a viable option. However, for couples that need to work out child custody arrangements and property division, it would be unwise to pursue this avenue.

In some instances, individuals that file for divorce without legal counsel end up having to appeal in court, which can quickly become expensive, or end up having to live with consequences that are irreversible when the individual unknowingly gives up their rights. As one expert says, “Either pay for it now or pay for it later trying to clean it up, which is not always possible.”

Couples may benefit from filing online only in instances where:

  • There are no assets or liabilities to divide
  • The couple had no children
  • It is the end of a short-term marriage

However, for couples that do not satisfy these requisites, there are other avenues to save money. A “no-fault divorce” is an excellent avenue to cut out litigation costs when a couple can reach an agreement on all aspects related to ending their marriage. This is often the most cost-effective manner for a couple in Texas with property or children to divorce. A family law attorney can be invaluable in this process.

Source: Fox Business, “How to Make Your Divorce Cheaper,” Andrea Murad, May 16, 2013

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