Divorce Lawyer in Boston, MA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Hiring the right divorce lawyer in Boston, Massachusetts is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the divorce process. Whether your case involves contested custody, high-value marital assets, or a relatively simple uncontested divorce, this guide covers everything you need to know — including Boston court procedures, attorney fees, residency requirements, and more affordable alternatives to hiring a traditional law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Boston?

You may need a Boston divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Disputes over custody, parenting time, or legal decision-making

• High-conflict communication or an uncooperative spouse

• Real estate, pensions, retirement accounts, or significant investments

• Business ownership or self-employment income

• Questions or disputes over alimony

• Domestic violence or need for a restraining order (209A)

• Suspected hidden assets, cryptocurrency, or cash income

• A case expected to require mediation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Parenting schedules & custody

• Child support & spousal support

• Division of all marital assets & debts

• What happens to the marital home

• Retirement & pension distribution

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Boston divorce documents at far lower cost than attorney-led representation.

Where to File for Divorce in Boston, MA

Boston divorce cases are handled by the Massachusetts Probate & Family Court, Suffolk Division.

Primary Filing Location (Suffolk County)

Suffolk Probate & Family Court
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 788-8300

This court handles:

• Divorce & separate support

• Parenting plans & custody

• Child support & alimony

• 209A restraining orders

• Contempt actions

• Mediation & case management

• Hearings & trials

Massachusetts supports e-filing for many family law forms, including divorce filings, via the eFileMA system.

Massachusetts Residency Requirements for Divorce

You may file for divorce in Boston if:

• One spouse lived in Massachusetts for at least 1 year, OR

• The cause of the divorce occurred within the state and at least one spouse currently lives here

Massachusetts is a no-fault divorce state, but fault-based divorce is also still available.

How Divorce Works in Boston, MA

Here’s what the divorce process looks like in Suffolk County:

1. File the Complaint for Divorce (or Joint Petition)

This begins the case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service must follow strict rules and may be completed by:

• Sheriff

• Constable

• Acceptance of service

3. Mandatory Financial Disclosure

Both spouses must complete:

• Financial Statement (Short or Long Form)

• Tax returns

• Bank statements

• Retirement & investment documents

Massachusetts uses equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly — not automatically 50/50.

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Boston courts typically require:

• A mandatory parenting class

• A detailed parenting plan

• Mediation in contested cases

• Guardian ad litem (GAL) evaluations for disputes

5. Hearings, Mediation, or Trial

Uncontested divorces often resolve quickly.
Contested cases may require:

• Temporary orders hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Divorce

A judge signs the final judgment and issues a Nisi Decree, which becomes absolute after 90 days.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Boston, MA?

Attorney fees in Boston are among the highest in the country due to cost of living and complex financial cases.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $325–$550

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $4,000–$9,000

• Contested divorce: $15,000–$40,000+

• High-asset divorce: $50,000–$150,000+

Custody litigation and financial experts significantly increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Boston, MA

Here are respected Boston divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP

https://www.brickjones.com

2. Infinity Law Group

https://www.infinlaw.com

3. Turco Legal, P.C.

https://www.turcolegal.com

These firms specialize in contested custody, high-asset divorce, business valuation, and complex litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your Boston divorce is uncontested, you may not need an attorney.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Massachusetts divorce forms.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your forms with the Suffolk Probate & Family Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated divorce specialist supports you throughout the entire process.

These solutions are ideal for couples seeking clarity, support, and affordability.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Boston divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is contested

• Domestic violence or safety concerns exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or substantial assets

• You suspect hidden money or income

• Trial is likely

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Boston Couples

• Massachusetts-specific divorce documents

• Transparent, flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced support specialists

• Faster & more affordable than traditional attorneys

• Ideal for uncontested divorces

Divorce.com helps Boston families complete their divorce with confidence and clarity.

Start Your Boston Divorce Today

Whether you choose a divorce lawyer or an online divorce service, taking the first step is what matters most. Divorce.com offers a streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective option for Boston couples.