You Don't Need All the Answers Right Now

It depends. If you and your spouse can talk through most issues and agree on the big stuff, you may only need a consultation to make sure you're not missing anything. If things are more complicated or more contentious, mediation is often a good next step. But if your case is already in court, you're almost always better off with an attorney in your corner. The more conflict there is, the more help you're likely to need.

Generally, no. An attorney represents one side, and even if you agree on most things, your interests and your spouse's interests are different. There are some limited exceptions, but in most cases it's not the right move. What you can do is use the same mediator. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps you both reach an agreement but doesn't 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.

You can switch attorneys at any time. If your current situation is not working, I can step in and take over your case wherever it stands. During your consultation, I will review what has been done so far and give you an honest assessment of where things are and what comes next.

You do not need to be married for me to help. If you and your co-parent need to establish custody, visitation, or support, I handle those cases too. The process is different from divorce, but the goal is the same: a clear plan that protects your kids and your time with them.

Yes. If you and your partner want a straightforward prenuptial agreement, I can help. I require at least six months before the wedding to do it right. Prenups need time for honest conversation, proper review, and negotiation if needed. Rushing the process only makes it more susceptible to challenge down the road.