Hingham, MA family law attorney James M. Lynch explains when spouses should hire attorneys for their divorce case. He explains that spouses often hire an attorney at the very latest when they are served with a divorce complaint by the other spouse. However, he emphasizes that this is not the ideal time to consult an attorney. Divorces rarely happen in a vacuum; warning signs usually appear well before any formal filing.

It is common for potential clients to seek an overview of the divorce process, and he routinely schedules one-hour consultations for individuals who are considering divorce or anticipate being served. Some clients do not retain counsel immediately and may wait months or even years before proceeding. He notes that the timing of hiring an attorney varies greatly depending on each individual’s circumstances.