About Me
James R. Blanchard, Esq. is a Massachusetts Collaborative Law attorney and trained mediator who focuses his practice on divorce, pre & post marital agreements, and other family law issues, such as custody and modifications. With a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, James helps clients navigate separation, divorce, pre & post marriage planning, parenting plans, and other disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. A graduate of Suffolk University Law School, James is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and is dedicated to helping families prevent and resolve conflict efficiently, without the stress and cost of traditional litigation.
Hourly Rate, Fees and Expectations
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Services are billed at an hourly rate of $350. These service can include evaluation, mediation, drafting, legal research, investigation, option generation, and others services defined in an agreement to mediate or in a signed engagement letter for collaborative law representation.
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Initial Consultation:
Our initial consultations are one-hour sessions costing $150. These sessions are designed to be informational and preparatory, not to resolve substantive issues, but rather to lay the groundwork for your path forward.
We will discuss process options
To maximize our time, you should complete the intake form before your consultation. This helps me understand your concerns and the nature of the dispute. Your information remains confidential and is used solely for preparation. During the session, we'll review the mediation and collaborative process in detail, ensuring you know what to expect.
We will also discuss your goals and answer your questions to help determine what process works best for your situation.
We may also explore specific ways I can provide targeted support, such as drafting documents, coaching you through mediation, reviewing draft documents, or offering strategic advice on specific issues.
Your Choice, Your Path
There is absolutely no obligation to proceed after our meeting. The entire process is voluntary, and how you choose to move forward is entirely up to you.
Important Disclaimer
Please note that an initial consultation, or any consultation does not establish an attorney-client or mediator-client relationship. No such relationship will exist until a formal agreement is reduced to writing and signed by all involved parties.
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Understanding Costs in Divorce and Family Law
The total cost of a divorce or family law matter is never guaranteed and depends on several factors: the complexity of legal and financial issues, the level of cooperation between parties, and the degree of conflict. Each case is unique.
Estimated Mediation Timeframes
While every case is different, here are general estimates for mediation based on typical experiences. These do not include time for drafting documents, external consultations, or court filings.
Divorce Mediation: Most couples require 6 to 15 hours, often spread over multiple sessions. Cases with children, real estate, or retirement assets may take longer.
Premarital Agreement Mediation: These matters can be more straightforward and may be completed as little as 2 to 4 hours of mediation, depending on the number and complexity of the terms discussed.
Postmarital Agreement Mediation: These agreements may involve more nuanced or emotionally charged discussions. They may be completed in as little as 3 to 6 hours of mediation, though this can greatly vary based on the circumstances and complexity of the issues .
My priority is always to serve your best interests by navigating challenges constructively and cost-effectively, striving for efficient and financially manageable resolutions.
Why Massachusetts Litigation is Often Unpredictable
Family law litigation in Massachusetts (divorce, custody, support, etc.) is highly unpredictable in terms of both cost and duration due to factors largely beyond your control:
Court Schedules & Delays: Heavy caseloads in Probate and Family Courts lead to frequent delays in hearings and trials, prolonging the process.
Judicial Discretion: Judges have broad discretion, especially in asset division (M.G.L. c. 208, § 34). Outcomes depend on individual interpretations of facts and equitable factors, making rulings difficult to predict.
Level of Conflict: High-conflict cases generate more motions, discovery, and court appearances, significantly increasing time and costs.
Complexity of Issues: Cases involving business interests, retirement accounts, custody disputes, or hidden assets are time-intensive, often requiring expert evaluations and extensive legal work.
Attorney Fees & Discovery: Litigation involves costly formal discovery (subpoenas, depositions). Since attorney billing is typically hourly, complex and contentious cases become more expensive.
In contrast, processes like mediation or collaborative law offer more control over timing and cost because the parties, not the court, set the pace.
Whether through mediation or collaborative law, I strive to help you resolve your needs in the most efficient and cost-effective way.