In my last post, I introduced several ideas for saving money in your divorce case. Read it by clicking here.
This week, we'll look at some additional ways you can save money (and time) when going through a divorce.
Attend Required Events, Classes and Court Dates
You might be surprised to learn how often people going through a divorce neglect to fulfill their obligations related to the divorce. However, the more diligent you are about tracking each action item and fulfilling it, the more effectively your attorney will be able to work, and the more quickly and efficiently your case will be resolved.
Some examples of required classes and events are: mediation sessions, parenting classes, Court attendance, therapy sessions (which may be mandated by the Court) and meetings.
Parenting Classes
In Colorado, all divorcing couples who are also parents must attend a parenting class at the beginning of the divorce process. The class is intended to educate parents on how their children could potentially be impacted by the divorce (depending on how the parents conduct themselves during the proceedings). Essentially, it is the State’s attempt to help parents understand how critical it is that they protect the children, as much as possible, from any nasty fighting.
Mediation Sessions
Similarly, all divorcing couples are required to attend mediation in Boulder County. The Courts believe that mediation will frequently resolve the issues in a case, even when the parties believe the case cannot be settled. Even if the parties cannot settle all issues, mediation may limit the issues that have to be tried. Mediation will save time, money and be much less emotionally taxing for the family. Each side will generally attend mediation sessions with his or her attorney present.
Court Attendance
If your presence is required in Court, you should appear on time and prepared with any information you are requested to bring. Neglecting to arrive at your Court date can have serious long-lasting repercussions.
Therapy Sessions and/or Meetings
In some cases, the Judge may order that one or both parties attend therapy sessions, AA meetings or other kinds of evaluation sessions. If you are ordered to attend any classes/sessions like this, be sure and go. Fulfill your requirements in a thorough and timely manner. If you don’t, your situation could become infinitely more complicated, drawn out and expensive.
Just like in life, if you pay attention to the details of your case, show up on time, and follow through on anything that is required of you, your experience working with the Court system will be much easier and less expensive. Of course, this is not always easy to do, especially in divorce cases where there is much resentment and animosity between the parties, which is why it is so important to have an attorney you trust working with you.
If you are preparing to go through a divorce case, don’t do it alone. It is highly recommended that you seek professional counsel before taking action (or letting the deadline slide).
Call our office at 303-449-1873 to set up a free consultation.