“Even in an amicable divorce, the process will inevitably cost more than you anticipate. There will always be factors beyond your control – delays in court proceedings, or a spouse engaging an attorney who is more litigious than you expect,” says Amanda Shuman, a family law attorney at DangerLaw, LLC, in Newton, Massachusetts.
“Be prepared,” she says. “Also keep in mind, the court is a tool, not a weapon. The courts can help you get resolution on issues, but fighting for fighting’s sake is expensive.”