how much does a divorce lawyer cost in massachusetts

Average total costs for Massachusetts divorce lawyers are $10,600 to $12,800 but are typically significantly lower in cases with no contested issues. You’ve no doubt heard lots of stories about how much it can cost to go through a divorce.

Full Answer

How much does divorce cost in Massachusetts?

Jul 22, 2020 · Average total costs for Massachusetts divorce lawyers are $10,600 to $12,800 but are typically significantly lower in cases with no contested issues. You’ve no doubt heard lots of stories about how much it can cost to go through a divorce. But if you’re thinking about ending your marriage, or you’ve already started the process, you probably want more specifics.

How much divorce lawyers charge?

Oct 06, 2020 · Generally speaking, most divorce attorneys in Massachusetts charge hundreds of dollars per hour. This means that the total cost of a divorce can be anywhere from $6,000 to $13,000 or more. But as you will see, there are many ways in which you might be able to reduce or even eliminate these costs.

Who pays attorney fees in divorce?

With a fixed-fee rate, you and your Massachusetts divorce attorney agree ahead of time on the total cost of the legal work. You may have to pay the entire amount upfront. Divorce lawyers in Massachusetts will probably only charge a fixed fee when your divorce is straightforward, and you and your ex agree on most of the major issues, like ...

How much does it cost to get a divorce attorney?

On average, Massachusetts divorce lawyers charge between $250 and $305 per hour. Average total costs for Massachusetts divorce lawyers are $10,600 to $12,800 but are typically significantly lower in cases with no contested issues.

How much does a divorce cost in mass?

For example, if you have an “uncontested” divorce (under Chapter 208, Section 1A), the cost of your divorce will be somewhere between $215 (the approximately filing fee cost, assuming you don't have attorneys) and $5,000. Typically, our firm can complete a relatively simply “1A” divorce between $3,500 and $5,000.

Who pays for the divorce lawyer in Massachusetts?

In a typical Massachusetts divorce, each party pays his or her own legal fees and expenses. This is consistent with the so-called “American Rule”, which provides that parties pay their own legal fees in Massachusetts court cases. See Wong v. Luu, 472 Mass.Oct 1, 2015

How long does a divorce take in MA?

In Massachusetts, the Probate and Family Court official time-standard for contested divorces is fourteen months (under Standing Order 1-06) — that is, the divorce process, from filing to entry of a judgment, should take no more than fourteen months.

Do you need a lawyer to get a divorce in Massachusetts?

Filing for Divorce in Massachusetts If you choose to divorce without a lawyer in Massachusetts, you will have to complete and submit many documents that are certified, notarized or signed under the pains and penalties of perjury. These documents are very important and can impact your life in many ways.Jan 15, 2018

What is a 1A divorce in MA?

File a “1A” divorce when both spouses agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and they have reached a written agreement about child support, parenting time, alimony, child custody, and dividing marital assets. This is an uncontested no-fault divorce.Jul 1, 2020

What is the fastest way to get a divorce in Massachusetts?

Uncontested divorces involve the filing of a joint complaint as well as a complete separation agreement and are by far the quickest way to obtain a divorce. A contested case involves one party filing for divorce and serving the other party with the complaint.Oct 26, 2015

Is Ma A 50/50 divorce state?

The state of Massachusetts is not a 50/50 state. This means that, if the court must decide, all the property, assets, and liabilities are not necessarily divided equally between the two parties, as is the case in some states. Rather, the state of Massachusetts is an equitable division state.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Massachusetts?

Filing first for divorce does not matter in Massachusetts. The first person to file will choose the grounds for divorce or whether to file a no fault divorce.

Can you get a divorce without going to court?

It is possible to get divorced without going to court, as long as your partner agrees to the divorce and the reasons why. However, it is still possible that you will need to go to court to decide what happens to money, property and children.Apr 26, 2018

Can my wife get my retirement if we divorce?

If you are divorced, your ex-spouse can receive benefits based on your record (even if you have remarried) if: Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer. Your ex-spouse is unmarried. Your ex-spouse is age 62 or older.

How do I start the divorce process?

To start the divorce you will need to the following: File a document, called a Petition, to the Court to initiate the divorce process. Only one spouse can file for a divorce (the Petitioner). The other party is known as the Respondent. ... Apply for a Decree Nisi. Apply for a Decree Absolute.

How long after divorce can you remarry in Massachusetts?

Final divorce You can't remarry until the nisi period is complete. A “1A” divorce isn't final until 120 days from the date of the judgment. A “1B” divorce or fault divorce isn't final until 90 days from the date of the hearing if a judgment is entered.

How Massachusetts Divorce Attorneys Charge

In a divorce case, lawyers will typically charge one of two types of billing arrangements: Fixed fee or hourly rate. The type of divorce you are pursuing can make a difference regarding which type of rate your attorney will charge.

Questions to Ask about Costs

The first time you meet with a lawyer is the initial consultation. This is your chance to ask questions about different fees, and you should ask a lot of them, including:

How much does a divorce cost?

For example, if you have an “uncontested” divorce (under Chapter 208, Section 1A), the cost of your divorce will be somewhere between $215 (the approximately filing fee cost, assuming you don’t have attorneys) and $4,000.

How to reduce costs of divorce?

We have come up with a variety of ways over decades of practicing family law to help parties going through divorce keep their costs as low as possible. This guide will help you reduce your divorce costs: 1 When preparing to meet with your attorney, write down your list of questions in advance. This will make for a shorter meeting. 2 When emailing with your attorney, try to consolidate emails. For example, rather than sending 10 separate emails about various issues, try and consolidate those emails. 3 Review all the documents and correspondence sent by your attorney promptly. This prevents multiple attempts by your attorney to get hold of you. 4 Make sure your attorney actually sends you copies of every document relating to your divorce case and keep an organized file. 5 If you can communicate with your spouse, try and resolve as many issues as possible without attorneys. 6 Stay organized. The quicker you can provide a document or information to your attorney the better. 7 Communicate often. While it sounds counter-intuitive, keeping an open dialogue with your attorney will actually reduce the cost of your divorce. By maintaining regular communication, you can ensure that your case is “moving forward” to resolution rather than sitting stagnant. The quicker the case is done, the quicker you not have to incur divorce attorney fees and costs.

Less Expensive Alternatives

Less expensive alternatives to traditional divorce include mediation, and collaborative divorce. If both parties feel they can agree to a collaborative divorce and mediation — fees can be limited to the $1,500-$4,000 range. The role of a mediator is to represent both parties interests equally.

The Real Cost of Divorce

The real long-term cost of divorce can come from not understanding the legal and financial consequences of an unfair or poorly drafted settlement. Hidden taxes, child care costs, depreciating assets and a budget that cannot withstand the pressures of inflation will cause people to literally go bankrupt as a result of divorce.

Collaborative or Adversarial

The primary differences in cost is whether the divorce is collaborative or adversarial. You really need to come to agreements and avoid arguing. The reason why divorce becomes expensive is when parties cannot reach an agreement. This is when decisions need to be negotiated by the attorneys and judge costing you substantial monies.