Divorce is often thought of in terms of attorneys fees and court costs, but the true cost goes far beyond those amounts. For couples in the Albuquerque area, even an amicable divorce comes with a variety of expenses, some expected and some hidden. This page will help you understand the full cost of divorce—not just in terms of money but also the emotional and social toll it can take on you and your family.
As a divorcee with years of business experience and an MBA as well as a law degree, Attorney Bob Matteucci understands the challenges you are facing, and is ready to help you find a path forward that doesn’t break the bank.
Attorney Fees and Court Costs
We’ve all seen the ads for divorce attorneys who claim they can have you divorced in just a couple of days for a small flat fee. Whether these folks actually deliver on the promises they make must be part of the fine print because we find their claims hard to believe.
Unless you are recently married, with few assets or debts, and no children, your divorce is going to take some time and money to resolve. But that is not to say that it cannot be done economically, or with as much speed as possible.
At Matteucci Family Law, we charge a fee that is similar to most other family law attorneys in the Albuquerque area. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your case and the length of time it takes to resolve. If you have specific questions or concerns about the cost of hiring an attorney, the best thing you can do is set up a meeting and discuss them with Bob face to face.
Court filing fees in New Mexico are generally a few hundred dollars, but there may be additional costs for motions, hearings, and required mediation. If your case requires a court-appointed third party to step in, such as a special master, you will be responsible for those costs as well.
Halving Your Net Worth
Getting divorced in a community property state like New Mexico means you and your former spouse each walk away from the marriage with half of the assets you shared with one another. This is by far the most costly part of divorce. There are few people in the Albuquerque area who can halve their net worth without feeling the sting.
The easiest way to divide things up 50/50 would be to sell everything off and split the proceeds in two. But Attorney Bob Matteucci understands that is an unrealistic and undesirable option for couples who own a business or have other assets they want to keep a hold of instead of selling off. Instead of planning a fire sale, Bob is skilled at negotiating a plan for dividing the value of a couple’s assets to maximize their future value and utility. He understands that setting you up for success in your post-divorce life is the most important part of his job.
The Hidden Financial Costs of Divorce
Beyond attorney fees, court costs, and the division of your assets, there are other expenses related to divorce that you should budget for.
Hiring Financial Advisors
While your lawyer will guide you through the legal aspects of your divorce, they will often recommend consulting with a variety of financial experts during your case. This is especially true especially if you or your spouse run a business, own real estate, or have other significant assets whose value will need to be divided up. For example:
- Forensic Accountants – If there are concerns about hidden assets or if you need help valuing a business, an accountant can be crucial in ensuring an equitable division of property.
- Real Estate Appraisers – If you own a home, commercial property, or just a vacant tract of land, an appraisal is necessary to determine its fair market value.
- Tax Advisors – Divorce can have significant tax implications if you are forced to sell off or transfer assets.
With his MBA and business experience, Attorney Bob Matteucci can help you decide if and when to bring these folks in, and how to make the best use of their advice.
Setting Up a Separate Household
Once you and your spouse separate, one or both of you will need to establish a new home. This transition can cause financial strain as you to cover costs such as:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utility deposits and monthly bills
- Furniture and household essentials
- Moving expenses
Going from one shared household to two can be surprisingly difficult, especially if one spouse was previously reliant on the other’s income.
Counseling and Therapy
Divorce is not just a legal and financial matter—it is an emotional one as well. Many individuals and families benefit from therapy to help process the changes and reduce stress. You may consider therapy for:
- Yourself – Managing stress, grief, and anxiety during and after the divorce.
- Your Children – Helping them adjust to new living arrangements and navigate their emotions.
- Co-Parenting Counseling – Learning how to work together effectively as co-parents, which can prevent future conflicts and reduce stress for your children.
While some insurance plans may cover therapy, out-of-pocket costs can add up, especially if ongoing sessions are needed.
The Emotional and Social Costs of Divorce
While the financial cost of divorce is something you can budget for, the emotional and social toll of divorce is harder to quantify. Even in cases where both spouses agree that divorce is the right choice, the process can be taxing.
Emotional Toll
Divorce represents the end of a significant chapter in your life. Even if the decision to end it was mutual, and you know you will be better off after it is over, it is normal to grieve the loss of the life you once imagined.
It is also normal to feel stressed and anxious (as well as excited) about the future. You are doing something new, and the uncertainty you face should not be minimized. Accept it and use it to build what comes next.
And remember that your children are likely feeling the same way. Children often struggle with feelings of sadness, guilt, or anger when their parents separate. Providing them with reassurance, stability, and support is crucial to helping them adjust.
Social Changes
Although divorce is no longer taboo, and you won’t face the same stigma those in the past dealt with, there is still a social cost to divorce.
- Changes in Friendships – Some friendships may shift or fade, especially if they were centered around you as a couple. Social circles may change, and you may need to build a new support system.
- Strained Family Relationships – Divorce can create tension between extended family members, especially if in-laws take sides.
- Dating and Moving Forward – Adjusting to life as a single person and eventually re-entering the dating scene can be both exciting and intimidating.
There’s no way to budget for these costs, but they should be considered as you prepared for your post-divorce life.
Serving Families with Dignity & Compassion
Divorce is a significant life transition, and while it does come with costs, both financial and emotional, there are ways to manage the process with minimal disruption. By understanding the full range of expenses involved and taking proactive steps to address them, you can forge a smoother path forward.
Attorney Bob Matteucci works hard to ensure his clients in the Albuquerque area take the necessary steps to secure their financial future and enjoy their post-divorce life. Please contact Bob today to schedule an initial consultation if you have questions about how a divorce may impact your finances.