Divorce
Divorce, with the paperwork done before the arguing starts
Most divorces settle. The ones that settle well start with a clear list of what you own, what you owe and what the kids need.
I start every divorce the same way: a full picture of the household on paper, then a draft agreement you can react to. When both sides can see the same numbers, most disagreements get smaller. When they don’t, I take the case to a hearing and prepare you for every minute of it.
What you get
A written inventory of the house, accounts, debts and retirement plans
A first draft of the settlement agreement within three weeks of the papers coming in
Mediation when it helps, a hearing when it doesn’t
A parenting plan written alongside the divorce, not after it
Fees
What a divorce costs here
Quoted in writing after the first meeting. Court filing fees, mediator fees and any appraisals are paid separately, at cost.
- Flat fee
Agreed divorce
Both spouses agree on the house, money and kids. Includes the petition, the settlement agreement, the parenting plan and the final hearing.
- Hourly, with a retainer
Divorce with open issues
Some things are still in dispute. Billed by the hour against a retainer, with a monthly statement you can read in two minutes.
- Flat fee
A second look
Your spouse’s lawyer sent an agreement. I read every page and tell you, in writing, what it means and what to ask for.
What spouses ask about divorce
Do we both need lawyers?
I can represent only one of you. Your spouse may hire a lawyer or not; if they don’t, I’ll still be clear that I’m not on their side.
How long does it take?
An agreed divorce usually takes two to four months, mostly the waiting period the court sets. A divorce with open issues can take six months to a year.
Will I lose the house?
Not automatically. We look at who can afford it, what the kids need and what’s fair to trade for it. Sometimes keeping the house is the right call; sometimes it isn’t.
What should I do before I file?
Start the guide on the first two weeks after you separate. Gather recent statements, keep the kids’ routine steady, and don’t move money without talking to a lawyer.
Start with the numbers
Bring the last three months of bank statements to the first meeting, and we’ll start the inventory together.