Questions about fees
How much does a divorce cost?
Is there a charge for the first telephone discussion or e-mail?
Is there a charge for the first meeting?
Fees for divorce services:
Who pays out-of-pocket expenses?
Are credit cards accepted?
Is there written agreement listing services and fees?
How much does a divorce cost?
It depends (you hate that answer, I know, but stick with me). The cost depends mainly on how much you both agree on things. And how much you agree determines what route you take—uncontested, unbundled services, mediation, or full representation.
If you have discussed all the issues and agreed on everything, you have an uncontested divorce. Your divorce will be quick and inexpensive.
Or maybe you just need some assistance along the way, and you want unbundled services, such as reviewing or preparing documents, to prepare or review documents.
Is there a charge for the first phone discussion?
No. I’m happy to spend some time to discuss anything. Please call anytime. If you’re not comfortable calling, please e-mail me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Is there a charge for the first meeting?
Yes. The first meeting lasts an hour, and the fee is $125.
I know that some Massachusetts divorce lawyers don’t charge for the first meeting. You may get some useful information that way, but be careful of a consultation that’s really a 20-minute sales pitch. For a lawyer to understand your situation, and for you to get a feel for the lawyer, you need to spend some time together.
Our first meeting will last an hour, maybe a bit more. The meeting is a two-way street. You decide if you want to hire me, and I decide if I’ll take you on as a client. This is critical. We have to “click” to be able to work together. If we don’t, I’ll be honest and tell you that you’d be better off with a different divorce lawyer.
And if you truly want a junkyard dog to “teach him a lesson” or to “destroy that b****,” please call someone else.
After we talk, I’ll tell it to you straight. I don’t sugarcoat things just to make you feel better. And I don’t pressure you. You may not want to do anything right away other than discuss your options. That’s fine. It’s completely your call.
Uncontested divorce: $850
The fee covers:
- Initial meeting of up to one and a half hours
- Ongoing communication needed to resolve minor issues
- Preparation of divorce agreement
- Preparation of joint petition for no-fault divorce, Probate Court financial statements, affidavits of irretrievable breakdown; all other papers needed to file a joint no-fault divorce.
- Meeting to sign and notarize papers and to give you written guidance for court.
Mediation: $1,250
The fee covers:
- Three office meetings; two to resolve the issues, and a final meeting to sign all the paperwork.
- Ongoing communication needed to resolve any issues
- Preparation of joint petition for no-fault divorce, Probate Court financial statements, affidavits of irretrievable breakdown; drafting of divorce agreement, all other papers needed to file a joint no-fault divorce.
Unbundled services
The fee depends on the services that you want. Maybe you just want to meet once to get some advice. If that’s the case, it’s $125 for the first meeting.
It may be that you want me available for several months on an as-needed basis. If so, you pay only for only the services you need.
Full-service divorce
If the traditional approach will work best for you, I advise you and represent you from the beginning until you’re divorced. The total fee depends mainly on the time spent on your case. As always, there is a written attorney-client contract outlining fees.
Who pays out-of-pocket expenses?
Legal fees do not include out-of-pocket expenses, such as the $220 court filing fee. You are not billed for routine expenses such as copies, faxes, mileage, or parking.
Are credit cards accepted?
Yes. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Is there a written agreement listing services and fees?
Yes. Always.