Budget / Living Expenses

A question your Divorce Attorney is likely to ask (as well as a Judge) is how much money do you need?

This brings the concept of budgeting that we all wish to ignore to the front.

To assist you in formulating a budget we would start with something like the following list to get you thinking about how much money you spend in a typical month. This allows the Court to determine what your needs are and determine an appropriate amount of financial assistance one spouse may be required to provide to the other in the event of a Divorce or other Legal Dispute between parties.

To the best of your knowledge, list your monthly living expenses in detail including, but not limited to:

• Mortgage payment.
• Rent.
• Real estate taxes.
• Homeowner’s insurance.
• Electric.
• Gas.
• Telephone, land line and cell.
• Water/sewer.
• Cable tv.
• Internet access.
• Assessments.
• Household maintenance/repairs.
• Lawn maintenance.
• Snow removal.
• Trash removal.
• Household products/supplies.
• Groceries.
• Clothing.
• Laundry and dry cleaning.
• Automobile payment.
• Automobile insurance.
• Gasoline and oil.
• Automobile repairs & maintenance.
• Hair care and other misc. sundries.
• Medical insurance.
• Medical & dental expenses.
• Education.
• Life insurance.
• Recreation and entertainment.
• Contributions.
• Legal fees.
• Gifts and other misc. expenses.
• Other regular expenses (please itemize).

After completing this exercise you and your attorney will be better equipped to tell the Court why you need the amount you say you need.

This should not be considered a complete list. For more thorough information and advice our attorneys can assist you.

Should you have questions about Budget or Living Expenses in a Divorce Case contact the law firm of Damon, Ver Merris, Boyko & Witte, PLC to speak to one of our Grand Rapids Divorce Attorneys. We are here to help. – Curtis R. Witte