Divorce and separation
Most divorces settle. The ones that settle well are the ones where someone did the work early: full financial disclosure, realistic expectations, and a plan for the children before anyone files anything.
From first conversation to final judgment.
Contested and uncontested divorce, legal separation, and separation agreements. Division of homes, retirement accounts, and businesses. Alimony and child support, calculated under the Massachusetts guidelines and then argued where the guidelines do not fit your life.
Where mediation makes sense we say so. Eleanor is a trained mediator and will tell you when a courtroom is the wrong tool.
- Uncontested divorce, flat fee
- Contested divorce and litigation
- Separation agreements
- Alimony and child support
- Division of retirement assets and QDROs
- Modifications after judgment
What it costs, before you commit.
Uncontested divorce
Both parties in agreement, one attorney drafting the separation agreement and handling the filing and hearing.
Contested divorce
Billed hourly against the retainer with a written estimate at each stage. You approve every step.
Mediation
Both parties, one neutral. Usually four to six sessions.
Questions clients ask first
How long does a divorce take in Massachusetts?
An uncontested divorce is usually final about four months after filing. Contested cases take a year or more depending on the county and the issues.
Do I have to go to court?
For an uncontested divorce, one short hearing. For contested cases, several, though most issues are resolved between the attorneys before the judge sees them.
Can we use one lawyer?
One attorney can represent one of you and draft the agreement. The other party should have it reviewed by their own counsel, which we encourage.
Talk it through before you decide anything.
A confidential consultation is the first step, and it commits you to nothing.