Preventing a costly split in a divorce could save you more than $140,000.

We all know divorces are not uncommon in the U.S.

Over the years, some of the most high-profile celebrity couples have experienced public splits, including Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, and most recently, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.

In 2021, the 45 states that gather data recorded nearly 700,000 divorces, while there were approximately 2 million marriages during the same time period.

Not all individuals possess the financial security of a celebrity, and divorce can be expensive.

On average, an uncontested divorce can cost between $1,500 and $5,500, while a contested one can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $140,000. If the case goes to trial, the cost can be even higher, according to Elizabeth Douglas, founding attorney and CEO of Douglas Family Law Group in New York.

As the complexity increases, the number of hours needed also rises, including those worked by lawyers, appraisers, business evaluators, crypto hunters, forensics, forensic accountants, and forensic psychologists, among others.

Divorce entails big financial, life changes

With divorce comes a lot of life changes — significant ones.

The process of moving from one home to two involves numerous expenses, including electricity, cable, internet, grocery bills, and cars, as well as rent or a mortgage. Additionally, there are costs associated with moving, purchasing new furniture, setting up utility accounts, filing taxes independently, separating health insurance, and possibly selling shared homes. This is just the beginning of the financial challenges that come with moving.

The major life change may result in lost time at work, the need for therapy, additional child care, and custody issues.

John Norman, who had worked in law enforcement for over 20 years, retired in 2019 and separated from his ex-wife. They resided in Ithaca, New York.

Norman stated, "We unnecessarily endured a custody battle, which required me to retain an expert witness. As a result, I was deprived of my children for a year."

Norman estimates that the cost of this life event was between $172,799 and $191,000. He still owes $120,929, with $39,747 of that being credit card debt.

Prior to the divorce, money had not been an issue for him and his family. "We were financially comfortable," he stated. "We purchased a boat for the children, and then there was the custody battle, which depleted all of my accounts."

How to hold down divorce costs

Preventing a divorce from being expensive and burdensome on your family is easier than preventing a divorce altogether.

Prenups are a romantic option, as Douglas believes. "You can protect someone you love while still hating them later, and divide and save money for both of you early on," she said.

"When you love each other, you'll never negotiate a more favorable divorce for both parties," Norman advised.

While it may be frightening to remove the bandage and end the marriage, you do not have to remain married to someone simply because you lack the funds to split up. There are alternatives, and assistance is available from individuals, organizations, and resources.

Watch the video above to learn how you can prevent a costly divorce.