You expected to get married and you expected it to be expensive. You didn’t expect to get divorced and you didn’t expect it to be that expensive - but it is. As shocking as it seems, often a divorce is just as expensive as the wedding. What can you do to cut costs during your divorce? Here are some tips to help save you some money.

Tip #1 - Flat Fees

Pay your attorney a flat fee. By paying a flat fee you know exactly what you have to pay - if not, be prepared for some shocking surprises and hidden fees.

What is a flat fee? You meet with your attorney and agree on a fee. A good rate is $1000 per contested issue: Child custody, Child support, Maintenance, Division of property, and Division of Retirement Account.

For every issue that you and your spouse can’t agree on, it’s $1000. If you disagree on all five issues - that’s $5000. If you disagree on only one - that’s $1000. Look for an attorney that works with flat fees. If you don’t, you will most likely be hit with many different fees.

Tip #2 - Hourly Fees

This is the standard way to pay a lawyer and is the most costly. When a lawyer tells you he only works for hourly fees, try to negotiate for a flat fee. If he doesn’t agree to this, either keep looking for a lawyer that will work for a flat fee or try to negotiate a lower hourly fee. It is perfectly fine to haggle with a lawyer to try to get a lower fee.

If these tactics don’t work, try to get a lower retainer fee. Once the case starts, make sure that you examine each and every bill that you get from the lawyer and don’t be afraid to contact the lawyer’ office and complain about anything you disagree with that you have been billed for.

Tip #3 - Hire a Mediator

In lieu of hiring a divorce lawyer, you can hire a mediator. Most mediators can start and finish a divorce in eight hours. Depending on their hourly fees, this can obviously result in a much less expensive divorce.

Look online and in your local phone book for divorce mediators. Many times you can find a mediation firm that is non-profit for people who can’t afford higher fees.

Divorce is upsetting enough without the shock of a high cost attorney. Try these tips above to save yourself some extra heartache during this difficult time.