Massachusetts Divorce Fixed Fee Programs
Massachusetts Divorce, Divorce Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce Fixed Fees
Some Massachusetts divorce lawyers may provide a flat fee for an uncontested divorce case where the parties agree on all issues, which is a rare occurrence in our experience. We do not provide a flat fee for this type of case for that reason.
In addition to traditional hourly billing, we provide fixed fees for court-based, contested (litigation) cases, as well as our popular flat-fee mediation and collaborative divorce plans.
A fixed fee can provide peace of mind and has a number of advantages. Our flat fee options are not paired down plans where we cut the level of services and attract customers based only on low price. Our fixed fee plans are frequently selected by clients that have substantial assets and desire a high level of service and legal counsel or mediation services, while appreciating the peace of mind that comes with knowing the cost of your legal services.
Simply put, the fixed fees for court-based, contested cases are broken down in two tiers, a basic divorce settlement and a more complex divorce case.
The chart below illustrates the base differences in the two pricing levels, and both fee agreements conclude at the pre-trial conference, which is the point where the vast majority of divorce cases settle, if not before. If your case continues to actual litigation, a new fee agreement will be required on an hourly basis.
Your specific fixed fee will be provided to you at your initial consultation upon request. Just call us if you have any questions.
| TASK | BASIC CONTESTED DIVORCE SETTLEMENT Starts at $7,500 |
COMPLEX CONTESTED DIVORCE SETTLEMENT Starts at $9,500 |
| Goals examination | YES | YES |
| Email & telephone consulations | YES | YES |
| Client meetings in office | YES | YES |
| Document review, editing, and drafting | YES | YES |
| Prepare detailed financial reports and support analysis | NO | YES |
| Property division with combined assets under $650,000.00 including retirement plans* | YES | YES |
| Property division with combined assets over $650,000.00 including retirement plans* | NO | YES |
| Negotiation of parenting plan (custody issues) | YES | YES |
| Complete child support guidelines | YES | YES |
| Negotiate child support | YES | YES |
| Negotiation of alimony | YES | YES |
| Own more than one residence or commercial property | YES | NO |
| Negotiation of division of family business or professional practice | NO | YES |
| Telephone meetings with a divorce coach (up to sixty minutes total) | YES | YES |
| Prepare Request for Temporary Motions and present at Court as necessary | YES | YES |
| Draft written discovery requests | YES | YES |
| Respond to opposing party’s written discovery requests (does not include depositions) | YES | YES |
| Prepare for and attend up to 2 depositions if needed. (One initiated by us, and one defended if scheduled by other side. Additional charge for more depositions). | NO | YES |
| Prepare for and attend 4-way Settlement Conference | YES | YES |
| Draft Pre-trial Memorandum | YES | YES |
| Attend Pre-Trial Conference | YES | YES |
| Online “Children in the Middle” course for parents and children | NO | YES |
*QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) drafting costs, used to divide qualified retirement plans, if any, are responsibility of Client, although we will arrange for the completion of such forms at your request.
Fixed Fee Collaborative Divorce in Massachusetts
We believe most clients should explore options to traditional litigation, including the collaborative divorce process. We are pleased to offer clients a complete Massachusetts collaborative divorce at a one-time fixed fee!
Our flat-fee collaborative divorce fee starts at $7,500.00. If your case involves more complex financial or other issues, then your total fee may be greater. This is not a teaser rate. We will analyze your specific situation (see the chart above) and then tell you your fee.
Comprehensive Fixed Fee Divorce Mediation Program
Our inclusive fixed fee divorce mediation program is popular with couples that have a full-range of issues to resolve. The program includes, among other things, a two hour joint session with an experienced divorce coach, detailed financial analysis, and an online parenting class designed for children and parents. The fixed-fee mediation program is $6,000.00 per couple.
Traditional hourly billing remains available on all matters. The choice is yours, and we will be pleased to assist you in making the best choice for your personal situation and priorities.
