You Don't Need All the Answers Right Now

Not always. If you and your spouse agree on everything and have straightforward finances, you might handle it yourselves. But most divorces involve questions people don't think to ask: How are retirement accounts divided? What happens to the house? Who claims the kids on taxes? An attorney helps you see the full picture before you sign something permanent.

No. An attorney can only represent one side in a divorce because your interests and your spouse's interests are different, even if you agree on most things. However, you can use the same mediator. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps you both reach an agreement but does not represent either of you. If you go the mediation route, each of you can still hire your own attorney to review the final agreement before signing.

It depends. Reaching a settlement can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. If your case goes to trial, just getting a court date can take years. Once everything is resolved, expect another few months to a year before the court officially grants the divorce.

Not necessarily. Even with a difficult spouse, many cases settle outside of court. The challenge is that they still need to cooperate with the process, like producing financial documents when requested. If they refuse, you may need the court to compel them. But a difficult spouse doesn't rule out settlement. It often just requires a more strategic approach.

Most divorce attorneys bill by the hour. Every phone call, every email, every question costs money. You never know what your case will cost until it is over.

I do it differently. Your case is divided into stages, and each stage has a set fee. You know what each step costs before we take it. If your case settles early, you do not pay for stages you never reach. And you can call me, email me, and ask questions without worrying about the bill.

When you sign the retainer agreement, your total fee is spelled out in one clear number. That is all you owe to get started. If your case moves to a later stage, I will let you know in writing before any additional payment is due. No surprises.

If you would like to see a full breakdown of how each stage works, I am happy to walk you through it during your consultation.

Before your consultation, spend a few minutes thinking about what matters most to you when this is over. Is it staying in the house? Protecting time with your kids? Getting through this quickly? Knowing your priorities helps us figure out the best path forward together.