This is my next post in a series of articles which address the question of how much a divorce costs in Nevada. My recent post discussed the fact that a Court can order a spouse in a better financial position to assist with the other’s legal fees for divorce proceedings. This is allowed in certain cases to ensure both parties are fairly represented. In this article, I will be addressing various issues to consider when deciding whether or not to file for divorce. Deciding to file for divorce is a personal and life-changing decision. It is important to understand the factors that go into such a decision and what complications can arise throughout. Cost and the time it will take are certainly factors for many individuals and married couples. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a Las Vegas divorce lawyer.
The time and cost of a divorce is largely determined by how contested the case is. The more the parties disagree on key issues like property division, child custody, or spousal support, the longer and more expensive the divorce is likely to be. The process is much smoother and more affordable when the parties are cooperative and reach agreements easily. Even a simple divorce can become complex and costly when one or both parties refuse to compromise or be amicable. An attorney can help to ensure fairness and make the proceedings go as efficiently as possible.
One major consideration that can greatly increase the time and expense of a divorce is child custody. The Court will require more information before making a ruling that serves the best interests of the child if spouses are unable to agree on custody and visitation arrangements. This level of Court involvement can include formal discovery, which includes gathering and reviewing records and attending depositions. The Court may appoint a guardian ad litem in some cases to investigate each parent’s home environment, relationship with the child, and other factors that affect a parent’s ability to have access to their child. These additional proceedings and investigations take time and can add significantly to the legal fees, not to mention the emotional toll.
Another issue that impacts divorce is the complexity of the couple’s finances. Business interests, significant investments, or assets in varying locations can take more time to assess property value and divide the assets. More in-depth discovery may be necessary in situations where one spouse is not forthcoming about income, debts, or property, or when one party suspects the other is hiding assets. The purpose of this is to ensure distribution of marital property is fair and equitable. One spouse may claim they have no significant income while failing to disclose payments from freelance work. Or a spouse could fail to disclose an investment account they opened without telling the other person. An experienced attorney knows what questions to ask and can request bank statements, tax returns, and business records to uncover the true picture.
If both spouses agree on all key issues then they could be eligible for an uncontested divorce. This process is much faster and less expensive than a contested case. Such a divorce could be finalized in as little as a few weeks, especially when there are no minor children involved. Even with straightforward and seemingly simple divorces, retaining an attorney is important. A lawyer can help a party submit a written agreement and all necessary legal documents to the Court for approval.
No two divorces cost the same as each couple’s situation is unique. The cost of a divorce will depend on your specific circumstances such as:
- How much you and your spouse agree on
- How complex your assets are
- Whether you share minor children
- How cooperative both parties are
An experienced Las Vegas divorce attorney can assess your situation and give an honest idea of what to expect in terms of time and cost. If you are considering filing for divorce then reach out to my office for more information. I pride myself on providing a high level of service to each of my clients. Contact me by telephone or online today to schedule an initial consultation.