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Stop Divorce to Save Money

Divorces are expensive. Most people aren't aware of the amount of money they will be spending until the proceedings are well underway. If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse need to save money, you might consider asking your lawyers to put a hold on the divorce.

Divorce paperwork is usually good for a year after it's filed. Call your lawyer and tell her you need to postpone the suit while you get your finances in order. Ask for a time frame, but do be aware that in many states there is a point past which the divorce cannot be postponed. You will probably be required to fill out some paperwork, and there may be some fees involved, but the amount of money you save can then be applied to more pressing concerns.

It's not only the legal process of divorcing that's costly, however. After a divorce, you essentially have one family in two households, with all the expenses that entails. Paying two rents with the same income that used to cover one rent means that money is taken from other necessities. The National Bureau of Economic Research sponsored a study which found that “the family income of children whose parents divorce and remain divorced for at least six years falls by 40 to 45 percent. Food consumption is also reduced by 17 percent.”

From the cost of lawyers to the amount of food you feed your children, stopping your divorce now will save you money. If you decide to stop your divorce for financial reasons, just make sure that you address all the other reasons your marriage was on the brink of failing. It won't help your family if you're financially secure but still unhappy.