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Divorce is not only emotionally taxing; it can also be financially draining. But it doesn’t have to be. As a family law attorney, I’ve seen clients spend tens of thousands of dollars unnecessarily, while others navigate the process with minimal financial strain. The difference often comes down to preparation, mindset, and communication.
Tana Landau, a seasoned family law attorney, puts it simply: “One of the best things you can do is... be on the ball.” Organization and communication are key to keeping your legal bills under control. Here's how you can do just that, and save money during one of life’s most stressful transitions.
Get Organized—Really Organized
Attorneys bill for time, and if we’re sorting through disorganized paperwork, that time adds up quickly. “I have certain clients that are just on the ball—they have all their financials together, they have everything organized,” Landau says. “The more organized you are, the more thorough you are... that'll save money.” organized documents means your attorney spends less time decoding your finances and more time advocating for your interests.
Instead of forwarding piles of unsorted documents, take time to group them. Label everything: tax returns, bank statements, credit card bills, and retirement accounts. If you're not sure what’s needed, ask for a checklist. Providing clean, well-
Consolidate Your Questions
It’s tempting to send an email every time you think of a new question. But remember: most attorneys bill by the hour. That includes time spent reading and responding to emails.
“If you have questions, bring them all to me at once,” Landau advises. “Rather than 50 emails throughout the day.”
Instead, keep a running list of questions. Schedule a call or send one comprehensive email. This minimizes back-and-forth and lets your attorney address everything efficiently.
Treat Co-Parenting Like a Business Relationship
If you share children with your ex, one of the most effective ways to reduce conflict, and cost, is to approach co-parenting like a business partnership. Keep communications focused on logistics and avoid emotional reactions.
Landau recommends, “Try to co-parent in a business-like way… Sometimes that takes getting a therapist involved… but the more you can stay cordial with the other party for the sake of trying to work things out, the more you can keep your costs down.”
Therapy can be a wise investment. A good therapist can help you separate emotional processing from legal strategy, which prevents costly emotional decisions that lead to prolonged litigation.
Choose Your Battles Wisely
Not every issue is worth fighting over. Ask yourself if the cost of winning is higher than what you're fighting for. For example, arguing over $500 in furniture could cost you $1,500 in attorney's fees. Know when to compromise and when to stand firm. Your attorney can help you assess what's worth pursuing and what’s best to let go.
Be Proactive and Honest
Delays cost money. So do surprises. Be proactive about deadlines and transparent about your finances. Trying to hide assets or mislead the court almost always backfires and increases your legal fees. The more upfront you are, the faster your case can move forward.
Cost-Savvy Divorce
Divorce doesn't have to bankrupt you. By taking a practical, prepared approach and following the advice of seasoned attorneys like Tana Landau, you can reduce both the emotional and financial costs of the process.
Get organized; stay focused, and lean on your legal team for strategy -not therapy. With the right mindset and some practical steps, you can protect your financial future while navigating this difficult chapter of your life.