Whether you are seeking a divorce utilizing one of the three ways, (Litigated, Mediated, or Collaborative-Law) there are three options to put you in control of your divorce depending on the specific circumstances surrounding it. First, you need to decide the appropriate category you will seek your divorce under. We will briefly touch on the categories below to give you a better understanding.
A Litigated divorce is the typical divorce which involves one spouse filing a complaint and then both individuals hiring an attorney. Ideally, the two attorneys work out a settlement on behalf of their clients or it goes to court to be decided by a judge. A Mediated divorce puts the couple in charge of the negotiation and how property will be distributed with the help of a neutral professional. A Collaborative-law divorce includes an upfront, written agreement stating that the divorce will not go to court. Lawyer(s) will still need to be present to answer any questions as well as file the appropriate paperwork once an agreement is made.
Once you decide the way you are going to accomplish your divorce, you will need to decide the most cost-effective way to finalize it. If your divorce will be uncontested without property or children involved, then one of the many online services may be appropriate. It may not be a one size fits all solution but it will save some money; however, you will be doing quite a bit of reading so that you understand exactly what you are signing and eventually filing. Another option is hiring one lawyer for both spouses. In this situation the attorney will represent the plaintiff in court but will file the paperwork for the defendant as well. Obviously the most expensive option is for the plaintiff and defendant to hire attorneys because an amicable divorce agreement cannot be reached. This most likely is in the category of a Litigated divorce and could become very costly.
If you are going to hire a lawyer(s) then there is one last option that you may not be aware of. You could hire your lawyer at a 25% discount as a part of a pre-paid legal plan. This benefit is available from the first day that you sign up. This would be the most cost effective manner and will provide you with other services to aid in your transition back into the single world. Benefits such as a newly updated will, legal advice and contract review, traffic ticket representation, IRS audit representation, trial defense services, and a 25% discount on all other legal services are available.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/national,-state,-local-articles/three-options-to-obtain-a-divorce-489469.html