It really is true what they say – these days some people are staying married because they don’t have the money to get divorced.  An article in the Wednesday, June 8, 2009 Denver Post substantiates this issue.  Of “certified divorce financial analysts” surveyed by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, 68 percent spoke of clients who could not afford to get divorced because of the recession.  Couples, however, should never give up on the hope of giving up all hope.  Said Fadi Baradihi, the group’s CEO:  “It’s imperative for divorcing couples to keep in mind that the current economic conditions will indeed change.”

How much does it cost to get divorced, recession or not?  That depends on each couple’s situation.  First, there are various fees for filing the paperwork at the county in which the couple lives.  This could be $500 or more.  Couples with children under 18 are required to each take a parenting class, so add perhaps $100 to the tab.  These fees are for couples filing pro se, or without legal representation.  Moreover, these fees do not change, whether economic times are good or poor. 

If couples get stuck and need mediation or divorce financial advice, they can expect to pay for a few hours of consulting time, or for the entire mediation plus having their settlement agreement drafted for them.  Let’s say $300 to $2000, although it could be more or less, depending on the issues.  If Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (separating pension plans or 40lK plans) are required, add on $500 for each.  What about a business, real estate or pension valuation?  The fees vary widely for qualified professional valuations - anywhere from $200 (property valuation)  to $10,000 (business valuation) or more, depending on the asset being valued.  Some people may decide to ask an attorney to review their settlement agreements, and this could run $500 to $1000. 

If all does not go well, and the couple has decided to engage quality legal professionals, these fees will often begin at $5000 to $10,000 each and can go upwards from there, especially if the divorce is acrimonious and they settle in court.  Expert witnesses may be engaged, depositions taken, exhibits prepared, all of which are expensive.  Certainly, it is less expensive to mediate than to litigate. 

The costs of actually physically separating and the couple’s economic circumstances often are the deciding factors when considering divorce.  One caller told me her spouse was unemployed and they could not afford to pay their bills and live separately at this time.  Other people have not been able to sell their house.  They could not afford to make the house payments and pay rent on a separate place for the other spouse.

The costs of filing for divorce and paying for legal, financial, and mediation experts will not change.  However, Mr. Baradihi is correct.  At some point, the recession will end.  People’s financial situations will turn around, especially if they have made efforts to manage their finances in a careful manner.  Until then, people might consider seeing a therapist, getting additional exercise, or somehow managing their stress in a positive way.  Hang in there.  Most people’s economic situations will change as the recession recedes.