Why Divorce Is So Expensive In The U.S.

No one gets married expecting to get divorced. But when you get married, are you considering how much a potential divorce might cost you? In 2021 there were nearly 700,000 divorces in the U.S. A simple uncontested divorce can cost thousands of dollars but a contested divorce, could put you out hundreds of thousands of dollars. Watch this video to learn how you can protect yourself.

Chapters:
1:18 Fees
4:01 Aftermath
6:39 Cost of moving on
8:18 Reducing costs

Produced, Shot and Edited by: Emily Lorsch
Animation: Jason Reginato and Alex Wood
Senior Managing Producer: Tala Hadavi
Additional Footage: Getty Images

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Why Divorce Is So Expensive In The U.S.

[Gogoterps]

Going through divorce made me realize one thing, I should’ve been a divorce lawyer. No career field has better job security

[genito]

Divorces are expensive in the US because it is not about separating, it's about winning. As long as the other person suffers people would rather impoverish themselves rather than comming to a reasonable agreement.

[bigbfsu]

I got divorced back in 2017; I wouldn’t wish divorce on anyone. That was the most stressful time of my life.

[bchris]

The biggest financial decision you will ever make is who you marry.

[mack-uvgn]

Hard pass on marriage! Human emotions are dangerous and unpredictable. One day you say I love you and the next day you want half.🤦🏻‍♂️

[martypoll]

I had an uncontested divorce in CA in 2017. No kids. I was retired, she was close to retirement. It cost less than $1, 000 which were mostly just document fees. I had legal insurance that covered my lawyer fees. The whole thing, from start to filing, took 5 weeks. I sold everything and moved to Thailand.

[hxxyo]

Two steps to avoid personal bankruptcy and ruin your life:

1. Don`t get married.
2. Follow step one.

[KiingM]

Marriage is the most important financial decision of your life. Treat it as such

[jer]

Prenuptial agreements should be mandatory for all new marriages. No more years long courtroom battles between greedy divorce lawyers and clogged up court systems. I'd never marry without one.

[DUNGEONDRAGON]

This is why GEN Z and Millennials don't want to get married early compared to prior generations.

[ams-nmdl]

Not getting married is the best solution in this financial hell.

[caddiea]

It’s hard for couples to fight less when lawyers/judges encourage people to fight more so they can get paid.

[AKTBS]

Divorce ruins lives and finances. It’s truly a horrible thing in our society.

[wowdbb]

No wonder people dont want to get married

[ashwinbalu]

Red pill vitamins makes more sense than marriage 😂

[aznmarine]

Ah marriage, the leading cause of divorce…

[anotherks]

Census: People aren't getting married as often
CNBC: Let's ramp up those numbers

[baphnie]

The perks of marriage make a really small list with all this in mind.

[DavidM]

In my experience, as an accountant often seeing and dealing with the aftermath of divorce, I see a common element in the high cost of divorce. LAWYERS. Far too many lawyers by their nature and training view every situation as a legal fist fight. And lawyers are just not well enough versed enough in financial matters; especially tax. I have seen far too many cases where the parties and their accountants could have sorted out 80-90% of the issues in a few hours.

[chiquita]

I hope sexism in Divorce is ended and we see all genders treated equally