News & Insights
Hall Estill Family Law Attorney Maggie White for the Journal Record: How to Keep Divorce Costs Down
September 2025
The Journal Record
One of the most common questions people ask when facing divorce is, “How much will it cost?” Unfortunately, even the best lawyers aren’t fortune tellers. There are a wide range of factors that can impact the cost of a divorce, including the complexity and volume of assets and liabilities in the marital estate, whether there are substance abuse or mental health concerns, and even which lawyer your soon-to-be ex-spouse chooses to hire. While some factors are outside of your control, there are steps you can take to help manage and reduce legal fees.
1) Provide the documents and information your attorney requests close to the time they are requested. When your attorney asks you for documents or information, they are doing so for a specific reason. Arguing with your attorney about the necessity of providing the requested material or requiring them to follow up with you multiple times will result in needless time billed to your case. Timely cooperation will save you both time and money. Wouldn’t you rather your attorney spend time strategizing how to retain your assets instead of chasing you for information to determine what they are?
2) Batch your communications. Divorce cases can change drastically from one day to the next, and it is natural to have a lot of questions. You know your life better than anyone, and you have valuable information that your attorney needs to advocate for you. However, it is more efficient to group topics and questions together in a single email or phone call every day or two instead of sending your attorney multiple separate communications. Wouldn’t you prefer that your attorney dedicate time to responding to your questions and comments instead of navigating between multiple calls and emails?
3) Be honest with yourself and your attorney about your priorities in the case. Divorce is an emotional and life-altering experience, and it can be difficult to know what matters most right away. But, to the extent that you are able, you should be very candid with yourself, and your attorney, about your most important goals. While it is possible to change strategy midway through a case, it will lead to extra work and higher fees, as your attorney has probably invested time pursuing your previously stated objectives. Wouldn’t you rather your attorney spend time going after what really matters to you?
Divorces are very challenging, both emotionally and financially. While no lawyer has a crystal ball to predict exactly how much a divorce will cost, following the above tips will help control expenses and keep your attorney’s focus on what really matters – helping you transition into the next phase of your life.
