What add-on costs should I anticipate during the divorce?

Divorce can lead to significant financial obligations, including child support, spousal support, and other costs. Most of the time, involved parties might only focus on the essential expenses related to the process. Still, the divorcing couple might face add-on costs often associated with their assets and lifestyle.

These costs might have been invisible during the marriage because you split them with your former spouse. If you fail to plan for these unexpected expenses, you might find it difficult to adjust after the divorce, potentially disrupting your ability to afford your basic needs. These add-on costs can vary, including the following:

• Professional fees of additional specialists, such as accountants, mediators and mental health experts, if needed
• Costs for subpoenas in case of a contested divorce where you may need to secure crucial financial documents
• Accompanying costs of property division logistics, such as appraisal services, title transfers or closing fees based on the situation
• Relocation expenses if you or your former spouse will move out of the home
• Loss of tax benefits after finalizing the divorce, depending on the circumstances
• Insurance payments, subscriptions and utility bills potentially ballooning after dividing the household

You may cover these costs separately, but they might be too much to handle alone.

Collaborating to shoulder add-on divorce costs

Fortunately, there are ways to discuss these concerns with your former spouse to prepare each other once these expenses kick in. Setting up an arrangement and including these add-ons in your divorce can help allocate fees efficiently, keeping both parties afloat after finalizing the decree.

Additionally, having a collaborative approach can be beneficial overall. Aside from sorting out financial issues, you and your former spouse could also discuss conflicts regarding your child’s upbringing and custody. Compromising and collaborating can help address these concerns, making dealing with life after divorce easier.