How much does it cost to hire a Boston divorce lawyer?
Your divorce is painful enough. Probably you are already dealing with the new changes of separation and trying to find a way to deal with the financial stress. If you have a minor child, there are aspects like child custody and child support that must be addressed. Before you initiate the divorce process in Massachusetts, it is best to seek legal insights from an expert. If you are wondering what it costs to hire a Boston divorce lawyer, we have a few pointers below for your help.
Situations are different
It is common for family lawyers in the state to take an hourly rate or a retainer fee. A lot depends on whether you have a contested divorce or a no-fault one. If yours is a no-fault divorce, where you and your spouse agree to everything related to the process, assets, and your child, you don’t have to pay as much to an attorney. There are several factors that can impact the final cost of your divorce.
Your divorce will have to work and spend more time on the case if –
- Your spouse is not willing to cooperate with the process
- There is a need to spend time to discover information (for instance, your spouse is hiding assets)
- There are complex issues like child custody, where parties do not agree to primary aspects
- There are considerable assets involved
- You are fighting for alimony and to recover assets you owned before the marriage
Every marriage is unique, and so is each divorce. There is no one way of knowing the amount of time an attorney will have to spend on resolving various family matters in your divorce.
Uncontested divorces are cheaper
If you don’t want to spend huge on the legal battle, you should aim for an uncontested divorce, although a lot also depends on your spouse. Even for a no-fault divorce, it is best to consult an attorney to ensure your rights are not compromised.
Factors that matter
There are also other factors that determine the cost of your divorce –
- The number of hearings that are likely in the divorce
- Whether there is a need to go for mediation
- The amount lawyers have to spend on negotiation
- The time involved in getting to a resolution
- The experience of the lawyer
Experienced divorce lawyers charge a tad more, but that price is worth paying for your interests. Get an attorney you can trust.