How Much Will It Cost for Me to Get Divorced in 2022?



You might be wondering just how much does it cost to get divorced in 2022? Has the pandemic changed the cost of divorce? How much money do you need to start the process and finally move on with your life? The total cost of a divorce case in Massachusetts in 2022 will depend on how much the parties are willing to work together to come to a fair and reasonable resolution. Approximately 95% of divorces settle without the need for trial in Massachusetts.

The price for an uncontested divorce could range from three thousand dollars or less in an uncontested divorce. In Massachusetts, divorcing spouses can file a Joint Petition for Divorce, which is also known as an uncontested divorce. In this type of divorce case, the parties both agree to divorce one another, and come to a full, fair, and reasonable settlement finalized by a Separation Agreement prior to filing for divorce.

A Separation Agreement can be completed by the parties’ respective attorneys brokering the deal, or through divorce mediation (conducted by a divorce mediator.) This is where you are assisted by an impartial divorce mediator who helps the parties’ attorneys broker a settlement. The costs are likely to be only a few thousand dollars, or less. In these types of divorce mediation cases where the parties agree to mediate, many divorce mediators in Massachusetts will mediate the divorce case and prepare the divorce filing for a flat fee.

What if my divorce is contested?

If you anticipate having a contested divorce, then the cost of your case can be much higher and could be between $ 7,500 – $ 20,000 (or more.) In a heavily contentious divorce, where divorce litigation attorneys appear before a judge, the cost of a case will depend on how well the parties get along, and how much discovery is conducted prior to divorce settlement, and if the case settles. If the case settles, and discovery is not too extensive, the cost of the divorce is likely to be around $ 7,000 to $ 10,000. However, as the case becomes more contested, and more discovery is conducted, the costs of the divorce will increase, and could, potentially, enter the tens of thousands of dollars prior to settlement.

The 5% of divorce cases that actually end up going to trial, tend to cost much more, due to the cost of protracted divorce litigation, and the extensive preparation necessary for a party’s attorney to be prepared for trial, as well as the cost of attending the trial. In these cases, the cost of a divorce can easily be in the tens of thousands of dollars. The trial, itself, may increase your costs by over $ 30,000 or more.

In addition to legal fees paid to a divorce attorney and/or mediator, there is also the required filing fee with the Court. The filing fee a divorce in Massachusetts currently is $215.00 plus the electronic filing fee and the summons fee. There are also additional fees in this type of divorce that can be incurred, such as fees for a constable or sheriff to serve papers.

If you want to discuss the timeline for getting a divorce in Massachusetts, then contact one of our Boston Divorce attorneys today. Please contact us today to discuss any of your Divorce questions or concerns. Call our office at (617) 539-1010 ext. 111 for a confidential consultation with Attorney Amaral. Attorney Amaral will explain the Divorce process and answer any questions that you have.

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