| You can predict how much your divorce is going to | | | | 1. Allegations of domestic violence, infidelity, or |
| cost and how long it will take based on the parties' | | | | neglect or abuse of children make a case emotionally |
| ability to get along and communicate peaceably. The | | | | more difficult and less likely to settle if those issues |
| more you argue or refuse to communicate, the more | | | | have not been resolved. |
| expensive and lengthy your divorce will be. | | | | 2. One of the parties is so emotionally upset that |
| The divorce will be faster, cheaper and easier if both | | | | their fear of an unfair settlement paralyzes them and |
| parties are on the same page emotionally, financially | | | | they will not participate in negotiations. |
| and regarding the issues. This does not mean that | | | | 3. One of the parties does not participate in the legal |
| they are emotionally connected, financially equal, or in | | | | process because they cannot afford a lawyer. The |
| agreement on all issues. Both parties need to be | | | | other party often perceives this as a delay tactic and |
| emotionally ready to end the relationship and have | | | | responds by increasing the amount of legal activity. |
| positive emotional support from the people around | | | | The best thing you can do to control costs and finish |
| them. Similarly, both parties don't need to have the | | | | your divorce quickly is for you to have a strong goal |
| same amount of money, but they do need to be | | | | of settling your divorce case through negotiations or |
| willing to commit enough money to finish the divorce | | | | mediation as soon as you are emotionally ready to |
| and to think of their expenses as independent of the | | | | do so. There is nothing you can do to control the |
| other person. Lastly, most parties can eventually | | | | other party's actions, but your commitment and |
| come to an agreement if they are willing to do so, | | | | state of mind affects the entire tone of the divorce. |
| even if at times it seems impossible. | | | | By remaining calm, refusing to engage emotional |
| Warning signs that your divorce might cost more and | | | | escalation, and sincerely wanting to resolve the |
| take longer include: | | | | issues, the other party begins to trust that they can |
| | | | negotiate with you. |