Experienced Divorce Lawyers Near You: How to Find the Best Attorney in Massachusetts
If you’ve recently searched “best divorce attorneys near me” on Google, you’re not alone. Many women in Massachusetts begin their search this way when they’re considering divorce. Divorce involves complicated issues like dividing assets, creating parenting plans, and negotiating child support, so finding the right lawyer is critical for both the process and for the outcome.
But here’s the truth: the “best” attorney isn’t always the one with the Google ad. The best attorney for you is the one who understands your situation, has experience with cases like yours, and can guide you through the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court system with both skill and compassion.
In this article, we will dive into some knowledge and strategies to help find the best attorney in Massachusetts for you.
What Makes a Divorce Lawyer the Best Choice for You?
The attorney that is best for you really depends on what your goals are. One huge factor is whether you are looking for a mediation approach or a litigation approach. Different attorneys specialize in different approaches when it comes to divorce. So the first step is to decide which path you think is going to work best for your situation. This article sheds some light on this matter.
How to Search for Divorce Attorneys in Massachusetts
A “Near Me” Search Isn’t Always Enough
When you search something like “best divorce attorney near me,” you will notice that so many of the top results are ads or sponsored. Here’s why:
- You are using highly competitive keywords: Divorce, family law, and other legal services are among the most expensive and competitive keywords on Google. Attorneys know people searching that phrase are actively looking to hire someone, so they pay to show up first.
- Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising: Google Ads let attorneys bid on keywords like “divorce lawyer near me”. When you search in Google, it shows those law firms that paid to appear. They pay Google every time someone clicks their ad (sometimes $50–$150 per click for legal terms).
- Local service ads: You’ll often see “Google Screened” or “Sponsored” results at the very top. These are a type of ad called Local Services Ads where attorneys pay to be featured with reviews, phone numbers, and a “call” button.
- Organic results get bumped down: Because Google makes money from ads, it places those ads at the top of the page while the real organic search results are lower down, so you will need to scroll to see them.
Use Specific Location-Based Terms Instead
I created Divorce Squad because the Google search results can be overwhelming and sometimes misleading. Do your due diligence as you reach out to different attorneys and use your best judgment when you select who to hire. The person at the top of the search results is not necessarily the best fit.
If you do choose to do searches, include more specific queries, such as “divorce lawyer mediation in Middlesex county”. This will help you narrow down the search and provide more relevant results for you.
Comparing Divorce Attorneys Near You
Questions to Ask During a Consultation
The best way to compare attorneys and decide who is best for you, is to have a consultation. A critical question to ask during your conversation is, “Have you handled cases like mine before?” and detail your specific situation as it relates to your children, assets, your business etc.
For a complete list of questions to ask, check out this article with the Top 7 Questions to Ask in a Divorce Attorney Consultation.
FAQs About Finding the Best Divorce Attorney Near Me
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Massachusetts?
Divorce lawyers in Massachusetts may charge $250–$500 per hour, depending on their experience and location. Many of these attorneys require a retainer (an upfront deposit), which can range from $3,000–$10,000. For an uncontested divorce, some firms may offer a flat fee, which is usually more affordable.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Massachusetts?
It’s possible to file for an uncontested divorce without a lawyer, especially if both parties agree on all terms. However, many people still choose to hire an attorney to review their paperwork and make sure nothing is missed, particularly around child custody, support, or division of assets. Even in uncontested cases, having legal guidance can prevent future disputes. (To understand the difference between Uncontested vs. Contested Divorces in Massachusetts, read this article.)
Is it better to hire a male or female divorce lawyer?
The best choice depends less on gender and more on experience, communication style, and trust. Some women feel more comfortable with a female attorney, while some prefer a male lawyer. Ultimately, the right attorney is one who listens to you, understands your needs, and has a proven track record with cases like yours.
What’s the difference between a divorce lawyer and a family law attorney?
In Massachusetts, most family law attorneys handle divorce cases along with related issues like custody, child support, and alimony. A divorce lawyer typically focuses specifically on divorce proceedings. The terms are often used interchangeably, so what matters most is the lawyer’s experience with Massachusetts divorce laws and familiarity with your county court and the judges they will be dealing with.
How do I find the top-rated divorce lawyers near me?
Rather than searching “best divorce attorney near me” in Google which will first provide a list of sponsored ads, reach out to the attorneys in Divorce Squad!
Your Next Step in Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer Near You
As you begin your search, know that you and your individual situation are unique and the best lawyer for you may be different than who your friend or family member may have used, or who shows up at the top of your Google Search. After having your consultation(s), you can make an informed decision about who is best for you. Divorce Squad is a free resource for you to use to help you with your decisions. Read the articles and connect to professional support today. This resource was made for you!
