Law Offices of Sharyn T. Sooho
Frequently Asked
Questions
- Massachusetts Divorces -
1) How long will it take to get divorced?
-
The fastest divorce in Massachusetts takes 90 days. The
longest takes at least nine months after you file papers.
Most divorces take at least a year because of on-going
negotiation or trial preparation.
2) How much will I spend on legal fees and costs
?
-
Massachusetts courts charge $110 for filing fees and $1
for a summons. Lawyers' fees range from several hundred
dollars to many thousands of dollars. According to a recent
study, the average divorce in a major metropolitan area
costs about $18,000.
3) Can I represent myself?
-
Absolutely, but a wise consumer consults counsel if there
are children and assets.
4) I've been married less than a year. Am I
eligible for an annulment?
-
No. Courts rarely grant annulments and never based on
the length of your marriage.
5) Should I hire a private investigator to prove my
spouse is having an affair?
-
Don't bother. You can get divorced simply by testifying
that your marriage is irretrievably broken. You can also
testify that you believe (without proof) that your spouse is
involved with someone else because your spouse stays away
from home several nights a week without explanation. Judges
"get the picture."
©1996 Sharyn T. Sooho
all rights reserved
(This document is considered
"advertising" under Supreme Court Rule 3:07)