Tips to cut your divorce costs

Our family law solicitors understand that not only is divorce a very painful process, but it can prove very expensive too. Apart from the fact that two housholds are more expensive to run than one, legal costs can mount up. However, by following these simple tips, you can help keep your legal bill down.

Prepare for your first meeting
If you file for divorce, then it will save your solicitor time and you money if you arrive at the first meeting with a written summary of the basic circumstances of your case, including those set out below. Your solicitor will then not need to spend time getting these simple facts from you:

• Your full name.
• Your address.
• Your date of birth
• Your spouse's full name
• The names and ages of any children
• A rough summary of your family's finances, including details of any property, its approximate value and any debt outstanding, details of any pensions, shares, savings, endowment policies or other investments, any other debts or assets.
• A list of the main questions you want to ask

Produce your marriage certificate
If you intend to file for divorce, let your solicitor have either the original marriage certificate or obtain a certified copy from your local Registry Office.

Complete Form E
Form E is a large court document setting out full details of the family's finances. By completeing as much of it as possible yourself and by letting your Solicitor have as much supporting documentation as you can, you will reduce your legal bill. Please note that you must keep strictly to the various notes on the form as to which documents are required.

Get your pension valuation yourself
One of the largest family assets is often a pension. Like it or not, yourp ension is taken into account when considering family assets and how they should be divided up between you both. You will always need to get an up-to-date valuation from your pension company. A simple letter to them requesting its current tranfsefable will save you money.

Get financial documents yourself
In preparing to negotiate a financial settlement, you will need to provide many documents. Ask your solicitor what is needed in your case, but it is likely to include:

• A valuation of your home if you own it; we suggest you get three (usually free) market appraisals from local estate agents.
• Your P60 and three recent payslips
• One year's bank statements
• Your latest credit card bill and redemption statements for any HP or loan agreements
• Details of any substantial asset you own (e.g. life insurance policy, shares etc)
• Obtain a mortgage redemption statement from your mortgage company

Respond promptly to letters without being reminded
Remember, your solicitor will charge for every letter and phone call so restricting them as far as possible will help to keep your bill down.

Ask your solicitor if there is anything else you can do yourself

Contact us today for legal advice from an expert Divorce Solicitor in our Salisbury, Andover, Verwood, Warminster or Amesbury offices.