How can I keep my lawyer costs and fees down in a divorce case in Montana?

I believe we are all looking for ways (and needing ways) to save money.  Especially in the current economy.

As much as I recommend having a lawyer to represent your interests in a divorce, I also recommend trying to keep those costs to as much of a minimum as possible.

So how do you go about doing that?

Of course you should first ask how much your lawyer charges per hour, and what a retainer may cost.  I would also ask for word-of-mouth from those you know on other lawyers they have used for their own family law issues.  Some lawyers bill more than others.

However, no matter how much you do, the main factor is that the cost of resolving your matters are very dependent on your spouse (or ex-spouse if that's the case).  Spouses and ex-spouses who can agree can keep the process much more simple.

The more time spent arguing over things, and the more time spent in court, means the more you will have to pay your attorney.  Lawyers bill by the hour.  If you are able to agree with the other party, your lawyer can draft documents for you, and finalize these in court, and you can move on quickly with your life.

If at all possible, you should try to agree to the extent that you feel is fair and equitable to the both of you.  You don't want to spend your life savings on a lawyer to argue over something that is going to be worth less than what you paid your lawyer in fees and costs.  Sometimes one should ask themselves, is it worth it?  Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.  That's a decision you have to make.  I recommend trying to come to the best agreement possible, and moving on with your life.  If you are forced to compromise, keep in mind the other party is most likely compromising too.