Matching Program

If I  could remind my clients of just one thing while they are going through the divorce process, I would say it is this: That is NOT your money that you are handing over to the lawyers.  That money belongs to your  heirs.  That is your  kids’ money, and 85 – 90 % of the time, the only reason the clients  are spending it is because their bruised egos are making the decisions, not their hearts, and usually not their brains.

If I could restructure divorce laws the first thing I would do is put a matching program in place. For every dollar a divorcing adult spends on attorneys, court fees, depositions, and expert witnesses, they have to put a matching dollar in a savings account for their children. That savings account may have to go to child therapists, or special vacations to make up for hurt feelings, or might end up being a college tuition fund, if all goes well.

It would accomplish two things: first, it would keep the emphasis where it really belongs in these matters: on the next generation, the only true victims of divorce.  And second, it would make the litigants run out of money faster.  People really start getting reasonable and finding common ground after all of the money runs out.  My question is, if they were going to get to a reasonably hideous compromise anyway, why not do it at the beginning, instead of waiting until there is no more money?

One major reason, is that the legal track cannot really get ahead of the emotional track.  Until both parties are tired enough of the fighting, it is possible to prolong the process for years.  I have seen people have custody battles over a dog, an engagement ring, and – no lie – a weed whacker.  If you feel the need to fight, you can.

BUT, if you have a reasonable attorney who is trying to get you to the end of the process with as much of your sanity and bank account intact as possible, the million little fights can go away more quickly and easily.  Even more so if there are two reasonable attorneys in the matter.

It is true that if one party is intent on fighting and wracking-up bills, it is more difficult for the other party to keep the costs de minimis.  But, that is not to say it is impossible.  Pro se (or self-representing) parties can save a lot in lawyer fees.  I would recommend that they have an attorney on retainer for advice & counsel if not for the actual practice so that they know what is true and what is bluffing from opposing counsel.

The biggest key to keeping costs low against a litigious attorney is complete transparency.  Try to get a list of required and requested discovery as early as possible, either from opposing counsel or your  own attorney – and hand over absolutely everything, and keep sending it in as often as new statements come out.

The quickest way a litigious attorney can increase lawyer fees is by making unreasonable claims for discovery, and then going to court for non-compliance. Be meticulously, over-zealously compliant.  Show everything, and there will be fewer trips to court, and fewer grounds for accusations.

What we love:. As long as there is a desire by either party to stay engaged – to keep fighting, if that’s what it takes, the process continues.  But, as soon as the emotional issues are resolved, the divorce takes care of itself.