When you step into the offices of a Family Law lawyer, you are facing decisions that will touch every aspect of your life in a profound way. You want the very best support and representation but, as with all other expenditures in life, you have a budget. What can you do to manage your cost and maximize your favourable outcome? To avoid the stumbling blocks that people regularly face in settling their Family Law concerns, employ these tips from an experienced Family Law lawyer.
Conflict Drives Cost
The worst, and most costly, decisions are generally made by people who are so hurt and angry that they can’t put aside their conflict to see a way to their solutions – and a brighter future. If you are seeking a divorce lawyer to rip your former partner limb from limb, then you are on a certain path to financial despair, and less than optimum results. Immediately adopt a solution-oriented, future-focused approach to your circumstances, and put aside the sword. Your divorce lawyer should assist you in being strong and certain, without being self-harming, due to needless conflict and its associated cost.
Choose Non-Court Options
The last place that you should end up with your former partner is in Court. You will lose your right to self determination and, very likely, your shirt. Not only are Court costs punishing but, if things go terribly wrong, you could also end up paying the Court costs of your partner. A responsible Family Law lawyer will advise you to first try non-adversarial and cost saving options for resolution, such as Mediation, Collaborative Family Law, collegial Family Law lawyer negotiations or civil direct negotiations with your former partner.
Keep Things in Proportion
Don’t spend $1,000.00 to argue over something that is worth $100.00. Sometimes, people can get so caught up in the emotion or the battle that they fail to see the bigger picture. For example, often times, people will instruct their divorce lawyer to spend thousands of dollars arguing over a handful of weeks of parenting time. They forget that they have a lifetime ahead of them with their children and that these few weeks will be but a mere handful of sand in a desert. The money lost could be better directed to an RESP for their children’s future studies or a retirement fund, both of which would have a much greater long term impact on the family’s wellness.
Don’t Proceed On “Principle”
If divorce lawyers had a nickel for every time someone chose to walk down a damaging, losing or costly path based on “principle” they would all be very wealthy. Make decisions that will support you and your children’s financial wellbeing and general wellness. Make decisions that are viable in the management of your case. When your divorce lawyer recommends a pivot, there is likely a reason. She or he will have evaluated the costs and benefits of your proposed path. Good sense must always prevail.
Don’t Pursue a Victim/Villain Narrative
People are often invested in showing the world that they have been wronged and that their partner was “the villain”. This is generally a waste of time, money and wellness. All attention should be directed to finding a future path for your separated family that encourages healthy coparenting, civil communication and a ready, cost-effective solution. An effective Family Law lawyer will advise you that these healthy and constructive goals are not supported by the scorched earth villain/victim narrative.
Don’t Poke the Bear
During negotiation and solution seeking, maintaining a decent, civil relationship with your former partner will go a long way toward easing tensions, building goodwill and promoting resolution. Yes, he or she may be dancing on your last nerve. An experienced and caring divorce lawyer will advise you to resist the urge to poke back. Model the behaviour patterns that you hope to share with your former partner going forward. Suddenly, the path to resolution will be shorter, brighter and more cost efficient.
Stay tuned for future articles with tips to achieve a successful family law outcome and manage your family law costs.
Tessa Bair B.A., L.L.B.,
Senior Family Law Lawyer
Tessa Bair, the owner and principal lawyer of Bair Family Law in Barrie, has stood at the forefront of family law, with over 30 years of distinguished experience. Recognized for her sophisticated approach to conflict resolution, Tessa specializes in elite out-of-court settlements and strategically advanced in-court resolutions, catering to discerning clients who demand excellence. Her reputation is built on a foundation of innovative strategies that prioritize solutions, restoration and child and family welfare. Tessa’s expertise in diverse and progressive methods of dispute resolution positions her as a premier choice for those seeking refined, dignified solutions to complex family matters. Read More…
The information contained in this blog is provided solely for general interest; may not reflect current legal developments and should not be relied upon or construed as legal advice. Online readers should not act upon any information in this blog without first seeking professional advice. The sending or receipt of this information does not create a solicitor-client relationship between the reader and the content creator. For specific, comprehensive and up-to-date information, or for help with a particular factual situation, you should seek the advice of a family law lawyer.