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Home 9 Divorce 9 Five Simple Ways to Save Money During Divorce

Dallas, Texas – Many divorcing couples may be worried that ending their marriage is going to break the bank. No divorce case is exactly the same, but there are many common reasons why cases can become drawn out and more costly. Divorces that are high conflict, filled with disputes, and have spouses unable to work with one another will result in higher legal fees and more time spent going through the divorce process. However, with the guidance of an experienced legal team and a little preparation, it is possible to avoid a high-cost divorce.

According to Kris Balekian Hayes, managing partner at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, the following five simple steps can help couples save money during a divorce.

Step 1: Talk to your lawyer about your budget.

At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, when we are aware of the financial constraints of our clients, we often offer them the chance to review records and highlight certain topics, create outlines and timelines and draft the factual sections of pleadings instead of charging them for us to do this for them.

Step 2: Keep all documents organized.

If you don’t keep your documents organized, you are paying your lawyer to organize things for court. Ask your attorney if there is a way that you can organize important files that would assist in the litigation and save you money overall.

Step 3: Reach as many agreements with your spouse as possible.

All litigation is expensive so try to litigate the fewest number of issues possible. If you can, attempt to have those difficult conversations with your spouse because that may lead to an agreement and save you both attorney’s fees

Step 4: Be reasonable.

Although you may love that coffee table, it may cost you $500 to replace and $1,000 to fight your spouse for it. Throwing good money after bad isn’t hard to do when you let emotions take over, so try your best to handle property decisions as reasonably as possible because most things can be replaced.

Step 5: Don’t send your attorney an email for each idea you have.

Make a list and send one email a day in a concise fashion about all of your thoughts. Attorneys bill by the hour and various time increments. It’s possible that your attorney is charging you for the lowest time increment for each email read even though it doesn’t use the complete allotted time (up to 6 minutes per email). You can send one email with all of your thoughts and not use more than that one increment.

The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with Balekian Hayes, PLLC visit: https://www.bhfamilylaw.com

About Balekian Hayes:

Led by Kris Balekian Hayes, the family law attorneys of Balekian Hayes PLLC are dedicated to fighting for their clients and their clients’ children. From contested divorces, to child possession disputes, to out-of-court mediation and arbitration proceedings, the firm provides the knowledge and expertise needed to help people during what can be one of the most stressful times in their lives. Kris Balekian Hayes is one of 37 lawyers in Texas that are board certified in both family law and child welfare and she also brings a Master of Business Administration to the equation to assist with high net-worth divorces and business preservation. To learn more about Balekian Hayes, click here..

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From the bottom of my heart, I cannot recommend Balekian Hayes enough. As a father fighting to protect his daughters and secure meaningful protections for our future, I needed more than legal representation — I needed a team that understood what was truly at stake. This firm didn’t just manage my case; they stood beside me while I fought for my children with passion, discipline, and faith. They recognized my effort to always put my girls first and reinforced that commitment at every turn.

Lisa at reception is the heartbeat of this firm. From the very first call, she treated me with sincerity and compassion. On days when I felt overwhelmed or discouraged, Lisa gently reminded me that my faith was evidence and that trials are temporary. She consistently reassured me that everything would work out the way it was meant to. She addressed every concern directly or made sure someone did. Her kindness grounded me more than she probably realizes. She sets the culture — patient, understanding, and steady.

Bryn is one of the hardest working professionals I have ever encountered. She was my go-to throughout the case and handled every detail with empathy, precision, and follow-through. What stood out most was how she consistently reinforced that I was a great father. When doubt crept in, Bryn reminded me that my effort to secure protections for my daughters mattered deeply. She genuinely cared about the outcome, not just legally but personally. Her calm strength made some of the hardest moments feel manageable.

And then there is Emory. Emory is exceptional. Her knowledge and strategic leadership transformed our case and ultimately led to a strong victory for my family. But what separates her is her empathy. She saw my pain. She recognized the weight I was carrying as a father trying to do everything right. On days when I questioned whether I was doing enough, Emory consistently reminded me that I was doing amazing — even when I didn’t feel like my best self. She pointed out the victories I had already achieved before she and her team ever stepped in. That perspective restored my confidence. “Relax — we’ve got this,” she would say, these struggles may feel like loses right now, but soon they will be your victories— and she meant it. She fought fiercely for the protections my daughters deserved while also protecting me emotionally through the process.

This firm was the greatest blessing of my year. To the fathers out there: I know how heavy this road can feel. But when you have Balekian Hayes in your corner, the burden truly lifts. They honor your role. They fight for your family. They believe in you when you need it most.

Personally, I know what it feels like to lie awake at night wondering if you’re doing enough… if you’re going to protect your children… if the system will truly see your heart. I lived it. As a father fighting for my daughters and the protections they deserve, I needed more than legal advice — I needed a team that understood what was truly at stake. From day one, Balekian Hayes saw my passion, my effort, and my unwavering commitment to put my girls first. They didn’t just represent me or defend me in court — they strengthened me as a father. Without hesitation, I can say this firm was the greatest blessing of my year.

To my team I am beyond thankful for your effort, thank you all so much for these blessings we get to live.

If you’re praying for help — this is your sign. Make the call.

John

“Dedicated lawyers who will work hard and fight for you. Kris and Justin went above and beyond in my case. A big thanks to both of them. I would not hesitate to recommend.”

Dustin

“Balekian Hayes is the best law firm I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing business with. Very happy with everything!”

Travis

“I had a fantastic experience with Balekian Hayes law firm and highly recommend them. I initially met with Kris in 2007 regarding a potential divorce. She immediately knew what an emotionally challenging and stressful time this was going to be for me and didn’t want me to be alone during this journey. She helped me plan effectively to protect myself, my financial future, and my time with my kids. I interviewed several attorneys prior to meeting her, but none had the compassion and law knowledge combination that she and her team did. Hiring her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Elizabeth

“Ms. Hayes was not only an excellent attorney throughout the duration of my case, but counseled me through some very tough financial decisions and marital obstacles outside of litigation. We forged a friendship that will last well beyond our professional relationship and I was blessed to have her on my side.”

Previous Client

“She was and continues to be professional, caring, and honest.
Ms. Balekian Hayes is a bulldog who fights for what’s best for the child.”

– Krystal