Questions about initial consultations?
Here’s the scoop abut Initial Consultations at our firm. If your questions are not answered below, or to schedule your informative consultation please call us at (877) 842-1199.
1. Do you charge a fee for an initial consultation?
Yes. The fee for an initial consultation is a flat fee of $200.00.
2. Don’t some firms offer free initial consultations?
Some firms advertise free consultations. We cannot vouch for the quality or depth of the meetings, whether you meet with a paralegal or attorney, and how long their free consultation lasts. We do have free drinks and usually candy and pretzels however.
3. How long does a consult at TDC last?
Our consultations last approximately an hour and a half. Because we are getting paid, although at a reduced rate, we don’t glance at the clock every few minutes during your meeting.
4. What should I expect at my initial consultation?
We understand that even calling to set up your meeting is a big step, and we know you are likely feeling nervous. At The Divorce Collaborative LLC, a typical initial consultation involves the following:
- First, we ask you to undress and put on an ill-fitting examination gown. Oh no, never-mind. We don’t do that anymore.
- We will be pleased to get you a beverage and/or a snack. We don’t keep you waiting for more than a few minutes if at all, but you can read, use our guest wireless network, or even watch TV. If you are especially restless, you could dust or water plants.
- We will ask you to fill out a brief intake form that captures some basic information before we start.
- The meeting is conversational. We want to hear from you. What are you most concerned about? What are your goals for the divorce itself and perhaps more importantly, your post-divorce life?
- Feel free to jot down your questions or things you want us to know prior to your meeting and we can review them with you.
- It helps us to collect some basic information about your marriage, but you do not need to bring anything to the meeting or study in advance. An exception to this is if you have been served with any court papers…please bring those!
- Our experience is that people appreciate learning about the Massachusetts divorce process options without any spin, unless that question has already been decided (see bullet point above).
- Divorce is expensive, so we will go out on a limb and and assume you may be concerned about your legal fees. Because information generally lowers stress levels, we spend some time talking about legal or mediation fees and your options here at TDC.
- If you are ready to move forward and we are able to accept you as a client, we will review your Client Agreement with you.
Our goal is to have you leave feeling better than when you came in because you will have more information and a clearer understanding of your options and what to expect in the days ahead.
5. I am thinking about mediation. Should I come in by myself first, or with my spouse?
Good question. Really, the answer is whatever makes you feel most comfortable. If you have talked to your spouse about mediation and think it is a viable option, then it is best to come in together. That way, you are both hearing the same information and will have the opportunity to ask questions. It also provides us with the opportunity to meet everyone together and see how you and your spouse interact.
6. Do you offer telephone consultations or consultations through Skype?
Absolutely. Although personal meetings are preferred, we can certainly schedule a telephone consult or a meeting through Skype. Payment is required (normally by credit card) at least 48 hours before the meeting.
7. How do I schedule a consultation with you?
Just call us at (877) 842-1199 or send an email to steve@divorcecollaborative.com. There is also a button on the website that allows you to request an appointment through the scheduling application “Tungle” that we encourage you to take advantage of.
8. Are evening or weekend consults available?
Yes, but an additional fee of one hundred million dollars is required!
OK, just having a little fun there. Sure, we can meet evenings and weekends for those that have difficult schedules. Scheduling your consultation may take just a little longer, depending on availability. If you need a consult during a weekend or one starting after 6:00 pm on a weekday, we charge $275.00. We heard one law firm advertises they can meet people at 5:30 in the morning. We are still asleep at 5:30 a.m. and think you should be, too. In our work, most people seem to want a late afternoon appointment, so those times tend to book up the fastest.
9. Do you conduct consultations at all of your locations?
Yes. We have three offices. Our main office is in Franklin, MA; and we have satellite locations in Bedford and Shrewsbury, MA.
10. Who will I meet with?
You will meet with a lawyer from The Divorce Collaborative LLC. All of our divorce attorneys are also trained divorce and family mediators. If you desire to meet with a specific attorney, then please let us know and we will do our best to accomodate you.
11. Can I just ask lots of questions of a lawyer for free on the phone or through an email?
Um….No. We do provide a lot of useful free content on our site and in blog posts however. We also conduct periodic free seminars that you are welcome to attend.
To schedule your informative meeting with a Massachusetts divorce lawyer or Massachusetts divorce mediator at The Divorce Collaborative LLC, please call:
(877) 842-1199; or send an email to: steve@divorcecollaborative.com
At The Divorce Collaborative LLC, we will call you right baaaaaaack.
Massachusetts Divorce lawyers and divorce mediators serving clients in the areas of: Norfolk, Medway, Medfield, Millis, Franklin, Bellingham, Wrentham, Walpole, Norwood, Foxboro, Bedford, Concord, Lexington, Carlisle, Burlington, Billerica, Holliston, Weston, Wayland, Plainville, Northboro, Worcester, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough, Southborough.
