California Divorce: How Not to Save $435 on Your Divorce
Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally draining process, and many people look for ways to save money along the way. I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661, and I want to share some important insights on why trying to save money by handling your divorce alone might actually cost you more — sometimes as much as $435 or more in unnecessary fees. Let’s dive into how you can avoid these pitfalls and get your divorce handled professionally and efficiently.
The Appeal of DIY Divorce: Why People Try to Save Money
I completely understand the desire to manage your own divorce to save money. Divorce can be expensive, and it’s natural to want to cut costs wherever possible. Many couples believe that if their divorce is amicable, they can just file the paperwork themselves and avoid legal fees. While this is theoretically possible, it’s not always the most practical or cost-effective approach.
In fact, the likelihood of successfully navigating the divorce process through the courts on your own is quite low, and it can take years to finalize. The time, stress, and potential for mistakes often outweigh the money saved by not hiring a professional from the start.
How Trying to Save $435 Can Actually Cost You More
Here’s a common scenario I encounter: a couple tries to file their divorce papers without legal help. One spouse files and pays the court fee, then the other spouse files a response and pays the court fee as well. What many don’t realize is that if you and your spouse are in total agreement, you don’t have to pay that second court fee.
This is called a “default with agreement,” and it’s a way to avoid the extra $435 fee. Unfortunately, many people don’t know about this option and end up paying twice, which adds unnecessary costs to their divorce.
Imagine if instead of paying that extra $435 to the court, you applied that money toward professional services that would handle everything for you. For just a couple hundred dollars more, you could have a professional take care of the entire process — saving you time, effort, and stress.
The Hidden Costs of Doing It Alone
When you try to handle your divorce alone, you’re not just risking extra court fees. You’re also investing a significant amount of your time and energy trying to understand complex legal procedures and paperwork. This is time you could be spending with your family, friends, or simply enjoying your evenings without the added stress.
Plus, if your paperwork is incorrect or incomplete, you might have to wait months to find out, causing further delays and frustration. This can prolong your divorce unnecessarily and increase overall costs.
Why Hiring a Professional from the Beginning Makes Sense
The best advice I can give is to come to us from the beginning. By doing so, you can:
- Avoid paying unnecessary court fees, like the second $435 fee.
- Have peace of mind knowing your divorce is being handled professionally and correctly.
- Save time and avoid the stress of navigating the court system alone.
- Move forward with your life without worrying about errors or delays in your divorce judgment.
Our goal is to make the divorce process as smooth and efficient as possible so you can focus on what really matters — your future.
Final Thoughts
Trying to save money on your divorce by doing it yourself might seem like a smart move, but it can end up costing you more in court fees, time, and stress. By hiring a professional early on, you can save money and get the job done right the first time.
If you want to avoid paying that extra $435 and handle your divorce the right way, don’t hesitate to reach out. I offer free consultations and would be happy to guide you through the process.
Contact me, Tim Blankenship at Divorce661, at (661) 281-0266 to get started today. Let’s save you money, time, and frustration — and get you on the path to a fresh start.