Costs Associated with Divorce

The costs of a divorce vary widely, depending on such factors as what kind of assets you own jointly and separately and how much they're worth, whether there are children involved, and if the divorce is amicable or adversarial. Especially if the divorce is acrimonious, hire the best attorney you can afford, someone willing to fight for your legal rights. If at all possible, try to come to a private agreement with your soon-to-be-ex about the division of assets, child support and custody arrangements. Having your lawyers hammer out these details can cost thousands of dollars at the rate of a few hundred dollars per hour each, plus court costs and other legal fees.

In a custody battle, you may end up paying for psychiatric evaluations of your children, expert witnesses, or a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem to advocate for your children's best interests. A large accumulation of assets or debts may require the services of a real estate appraiser, pension fund expert or a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.

Other costs associated with divorce can include moving expenses, and the physical and mental toll that the divorce process can take on individuals. Depression, high blood pressure and heart disease are common side effects that can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars. Substance abuse has its own costs when trying to escape from an unpleasant reality. Do everything in your power to take good care of yourself during and after a divorce. Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals and get enough exercise. Keep a journal or vent to trusted friends to release the negative energy in non-destructive ways.