Ways to Pay For a Divorce Lawyer If You Have Little to No Money
Divorce attorneys are helpful, but paying for one can sometimes be tough. Here’s how to pay for a divorce lawyer with no money.
You can pay for a divorce lawyer with no money by getting a loan, paying with a credit card, using money in joint accounts or savings funds, or borrowing money from friends or family. Most attorneys are willing to develop payment plans that work for their clients.
If you’re looking for an affordable yet experienced attorney that’s willing to develop a payment plan that fits both of your needs, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the right divorce attorney.
1. Get A Loan
One common way to pay for a divorce lawyer if you have little to no cash on hand is to get a loan. Personal loans can be used for personal matters, including divorce. Many lenders provide loans for attorney fees, and pretty much all attorneys accept divorce loans as a form of payment. If your divorce is complicated and you need an attorney, your best option may be to get a loan.
2. Make Your Spouse Pay For Your Divorce Lawyer
The most effective (and preferred) way to pay for a divorce lawyer if you’re strapped for your cash is to make your spouse pay up. A judge may order your spouse to pay for your divorce lawyer if you prove their bad faith or that you cannot afford an attorney. It’s possible for a judge to decree an order obligating a higher-earning spouse to pay for a lower-earning spouse’s legal fees. For more information on how to make your spouse pay for your divorce lawyer, click here.
3. Pay With a Credit Card
Most attorneys accept credit cards. If you have a credit card linked to a joint bank account, attorney fees may be split between you and your spouse. This can ultimately save you 50% or more in legal costs. You can also pay an attorney with a credit card and pay the credit card company back at a later date. Try to negotiate a lower interest rate with your credit card company so you don’t end up paying more than you should.
4. Use Money In Joint Accounts
You can use money from joint bank accounts to pay for your attorney as long as your name is on the bank account. If you have access to joint bank accounts, you may pay for your attorney with these joint funds (even if your spouse earned some or all of the funds).
5. Borrow Money from Friends or Family
Relatives or close friends may be willing to finance your divorce. Most people understand that not having a divorce attorney can lead to a bad divorce, and may be willing to give you a helping hand. Parents are usually willing to pay for their child’s divorce, even if they’re not in close contact anymore. Getting a divorce without an attorney can be especially difficult; understand that more people may be willing to help you out than you think.
6. Take Money From Your Savings or Retirement Funds
Of course, some may want to avoid picking at their savings or retirement funds to pay for their divorce lawyer. However, recognize that a divorce attorney serves as both investment and protection; divorcing spouses that have attorneys receive higher divorce settlement than spouses that don’t. If you don’t’ hire an attorney, you may end up losing more money than if you had invested in one.
7. Save Money Early
If you’re expecting that your marriage may end within a few years, it’d be wise for you to start saving up soon. It may sound unusual to save up money during your marriage to ultimately help end it, but it’s simply practical. Even a small amount of savings can help protect you in and after a divorce.
FAQs About Paying for a Divorce Lawyer With No Money
Can lawyers wait for the divorce settlement to get paid?
How the attorney gets paid is ultimately up to them. Your divorce attorney may seek attorney fees on a contingency basis, meaning that he or she collects a designated percentage of the monetary divorce settlement.
When should you consider paying for a divorce lawyer?
If your divorce is even slightly complicated, it may be in your best interest to hire a divorce lawyer. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights in matters relating to child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The more complicated your divorce, the more likely you’ll need an attorney.
What happens if you don’t pay your divorce lawyer?
If you don’t pay your divorce lawyer, he or she can withdraw from your case and leave you scrambling to pick up the pieces. If you have a contract, he or she can likely sue you as well. Only hire a divorce attorney if you have the funds to pay for one.
Can you get a loan to pay for a divorce lawyer?
Yes, loans for legal or attorney fees are available. Personal loans, sometimes called divorce loans, pay attorneys in advance for their legal services. Lenders usually allow a cosigner, but some don’t require one.
Can I make my husband pay for my divorce lawyer?
Yes, a judge can award you attorney fees, forcing your husband to pay for your divorce lawyers. It is not uncommon for judges to order spouses to pay attorney fees on the basis of needs, wrongdoing, or equitable distribution.
Contact Us
If you’re asking how to pay for a divorce lawyer with no money and need an attorney, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified, affordable attorney for your needs and preferences. You and your divorce lawyer can create a payment plan that works for both of you. Your first consultation is free. We’re here to help you 24/7.