Why Does Divorce Cost So Much on Long Island?

When going through the process of getting a divorce on Long Island, you may notice that the cost of dissolving your marriage just seems to be getting higher and higher. When this is the case, it’s important to take a look at what may be driving up the cost of your divorce and what you can do to get your expenses under control. Here’s what may be blowing your divorce budget and how to get the legal help you need now.

Your Ex-Spouse Is Disputing Everything

One of the most common reasons a Long Island divorce is more expensive than anticipated (and takes longer too) is that one spouse is contesting everything or nearly everything. While in some cases, contesting divorce provisions is in the best interests of the client and their children, in other cases, it’s a stall tactic used by the other side. It forces one party to inadvertently have to spend more time and money than they ordinarily would have on their divorce through no fault of their own.

You and Your Ex Own a Business Together

Separating business assets is a complicated process that takes time and expertise. Even if you and your ex-spouse agree on what to do with the business you share, the extra steps needed to include a business in a divorce will automatically raise your costs. If you and your ex don’t agree on who gets what out of the business, then your time and expenses will only increase.

You and Your Ex Have Children

Child custody and visitation matters are often the most challenging aspect of a divorce for many couples who have children together. Both parents generally want what’s best for their kids, but each may have a very different idea of what that looks like. Other parents, unfortunately, use their children as leverage in a divorce to get more out of it. Either way, sorting out a parenting plan, child support, and other issues takes significantly more time and subsequently inflates the cost of your separation.

Your Ex Is Trying to Hide Assets and/or You Own a Lot of Assets

If you and your ex have a lot of assets that you share, divvying them up equitably under New York law can be a time-consuming and costly process. This is particularly true if you don’t have a prenuptial agreement or clear lists of what property was brought into the marriage and what was acquired during it. Divorce Mediation may be beneficial for this, especially if you need to meet with your ex more than once to discuss potential compromises regarding how your assets will be divided fairly between the two of you.

If your ex-spouse is attempting to hide assets from you in order to keep them hidden from the divorce court, this can make your case more complicated. First, you’ll need to get a list of all the assets your spouse may be trying to conceal. Then, you’ll need to obtain proof that the assets exist and are marital assets. This takes time, and if you have your lawyer take care of it on your behalf, naturally your legal bill will increase.

Fortunately, you may be able to petition the court for your ex-spouse to pay any and all legal fees associated with the concealed assets portion of your divorce case. If your request is granted, your ex will not only be on the hook for the assets they tried to hide, but also for the extra costs you incurred as a result of having to gather documentation and handle the matter.

Achieve a Smoother Divorce with the Help of an Experienced Family Law Firm Today

Although hiring an expensive lawyer seems like the last thing you want to do if you’re trying to keep the costs of your divorce under control, working with the right lawyer can actually save you money.

At Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C., we offer affordable divorce services that allow you to close one chapter of your life and open the next without draining your life savings to do it. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find creative divorce or separation solutions that work for your family by calling 631-923-1910 or fill out the short form below.