How to Get a Divorce If You Don't Have Any Money
Everyone knows weddings are expensive, but it's an unfortunate reality that divorces often cost thousands more. If you're miserable in your marriage and strapped for cash, you're definitely not stuck: but prepare to spend some time working through the kinks of the divorce process and scrutinizing your financial resources.
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Instructions
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If you haven't discussed divorce with your spouse yet, continue to hold off. It'll be easier for you to stay calm and do the necessary legwork without emotions flying.
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Brainstorm any financial resources you might have and become a money expert. Do you have friends or relatives who would be willing to loan you enough money to open a bank account? Read up on budgeting, especially if your spouse has always been the money manager. You'll need these skills for the expensive life-after-divorce stage, so the more prepared you are, the better.
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Open a separate bank account and credit card in order to build your credit independently. If you have poor credit or no credit, consider a secured credit card or prepaid card. Having your own financial resources to fall back on after the divorce will help you adjust significantly faster.
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Find ways to boost your income. Apply at a temp agency, babysit for the neighbors or get a part-time job. If you already have a job, ask for extra hours or a raise. Though there are inexpensive ways of going about a divorce, it won't be free.
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If you're willing to put in some extra effort, do the legal work yourself on one of the many divorce websites available. Many sites offer printable legal forms, dictionaries of divorce terminology and FAQs. Since most divorce expenses go to lawyers, by cutting out the middleman you may end up spending less than $200 on your divorce. Of course, these options are best for couples with few shared financial obligations.
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Hire a mediator trained in family law rather than a lawyer to help you with the divorce process. Going through a divorce with the help of a mediator may only cost around $5000, compared to a lawyer which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
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References
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