Divorce can cost less if done together

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Divorce is all about separating. But, it can be achieved more cheaply if done together.

First, Jon Reske of UMass Five College Credit Union suggests couples sit down with a financial planner. That way they can map out their finances.

Reske said "it's important to understand the value of your assets. A financial planner can help you determine those values for you. So, when that property is divided up you’re getting the most for it."

Also, using a divorce mediator instead of two divorce lawyers can also make the process a lot less costly.

Kathleen Townsend is one of the co-owners of the “Divorce Mediation Group." She helps couples separate civilly. She said "The cost of the mediator is shared by the party. So, already the time that they’re paying for is split in half. So there’s half the cost." She also pointed out that since you're both in the room with one mediator, disputes can be resolved faster, which means less hourly charges.

On average a mediator costs about $2,000 dollars per divorce. Each divorce lawyer can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 per client. So, if you double that for two lawyers, it can become very expensive.