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Why the Cheapest Divorce Isn’t Always the Smartest: What Florida Families Should Consider First
|As summer comes to a close, many Florida families find themselves with just enough breathing room to take a closer look at long-delayed personal matters—including the decision to separate or divorce. It’s a natural time to take stock, plan, and think seriously about what life will look like in the months and years to come.
Unfortunately, that’s also when people are tempted by the growing number of websites, services, and practitioners advertising “cheap divorce” options. Flat fees, forms-only solutions, or automated filings may sound attractive, especially when money is tight. But when it comes to ending a marriage, cheap doesn’t always mean smart. And it certainly doesn’t mean it’s the right option for your family’s future.
At Reineke Mediations, our Tampa family law attorney-mediator, Beth Reineke, doesn’t promise to be the cheapest. We focus on being the most effective, respectful, and solution-oriented option for couples who want to stay in control of their divorce, without paying the financial and emotional price of litigation or relying on cut-rate services that leave critical details unresolved.
Low-Cost Divorce Services May Overlook What Matters
Online services and “flat-fee divorce” options are often built around the use of standardized forms available to the public—they assume that couples agree on everything, understand all the legal and financial implications of their decisions, can skip some of the formalities of a well drafted marital agreement, and won’t have future disagreements.
But real life is rarely that simple.
Even in amicable divorces, couples often overlook essential questions:
- Who claims the children as dependents on tax returns?
- What happens if a parenting schedule needs to change?
- How will retirement accounts or investment properties be divided?
- Is child support being calculated using current, accurate financial information?
- Does the agreement address potential easily avoidable difficulties and common conflicts?
- Will this agreement stand up in court if challenged later?
Cheap services may provide forms, but they don’t offer guidance, clarity, or peace of mind. That’s where a qualified Florida divorce mediator makes the difference.
Mediation is Cost-Effective—But That’s Not the Same as “Cheap”
Mediation is one of the most affordable ways to resolve a divorce, but not because it cuts corners. Instead, it offers value by resolving issues efficiently, respectfully, and comprehensively—without the expense and delay of litigation.
Here’s what mediation with Beth Reineke includes:
- Customized agreements based on Florida law and your family’s needs.
- Financial awareness to identify overlooked costs and long-term consequences.
- Parenting plans that are detailed enough to avoid future disputes.
- Guided conversations that keep you out of court.
- Clear, court-ready documents to finalize your divorce with confidence.
And unlike many online or low-cost services, mediation with Beth includes real-time legal insight from someone who spent decades litigating family law cases before dedicating her practice entirely to out-of-court solutions.
Why “You Get What You Pay For” is Especially True in Divorce
Divorce is more than paperwork—it’s a restructuring of your life, your finances, and your family’s daily rhythms. When handled poorly, even a “simple” divorce can lead to long-term consequences that cost far more than the price of doing it right the first time.
Risks of choosing the cheapest option:
- Poorly drafted agreements that are vague or unenforceable.
- Hidden costs when you need to fix mistakes or go back to court.
- Financial imbalances due to missed assets or support miscalculations.
- Unaddressed emotional or parenting concerns that create conflict later.
- Time is lost if a judge requires revisions or clarification before approval.
With mediation, your upfront investment goes toward building a sustainable solution, not just getting across the finish line quickly.
How Beth Reineke Helps Families Move Forward Wisely
Attorney/Mediator Beth Reineke brings a rare combination of legal, financial, and emotional intelligence to every mediation session. With over 30 years of experience in all aspects of Florida family law—and more than 25 years as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Divorce Mediator—Beth helps clients make decisions that hold up over time.
Her goal isn’t to rush you—it’s to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and control.
What sets Beth Reineke apart:
- Florida Bar Board-Certified Marital & Family Law Litigator (2000-2015).
- Degree in Finance and deep knowledge of financial implications
- Over 25 years focused exclusively on litigation alternative family law resolutions.
- Known for calm, respectful guidance—even in complex or emotional situations
- Offers both in-person and virtual mediations across the Tampa Bay Area
Most clients resolve their pre-suit divorce in just 6-8 weeks, with an agreement that’s clear, enforceable, and truly tailored to their needs.
Quality Matters More Than a Quick Price Tag
Divorce is a life transition, not a one-time transaction. As tempting as it may be to “get it over with” as cheaply as possible, a little more investment in time and care now can prevent years of frustration, legal entanglement, and unnecessary expense down the line.
If you’re considering divorce as the summer comes to an end, use this season to focus on innovative, respectful solutions, not shortcuts.
At Reineke Mediations, we believe that your family’s future is worth more than a one-size-fits-all form. Call (813) 205-6675 or schedule online to learn how attorney-mediator Beth Reineke can help you reach a fair, customized resolution—without unnecessary cost, conflict, or courtroom stress—during a free phone consultation.
