How much does it cost to hire M. for a family law case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. M. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does M. offer a free consultation?

M. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain M.'s office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check M.'s current terms during booking.

How long do family law cases in Connecticut typically take?

Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. M. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can M. take my case if I'm outside Hartford?

M. is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — M. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with M.?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. M. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is M. accepting new family law clients right now?

M.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

M. Paula Silva, Family Law Attorney in Hartford

Quick answer

M. Paula Silva is an attorney based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Government. M. has over 26 years of legal experience.

Based in: Hartford, CT
Experience: over 26 years
Known for: Family Law · General · Government

Handles Family Law, General, and Government matters from Hartford, CT.
Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

M.'s practice areas in Hartford

M. concentrates on family law, general, government, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case M. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Hartford, Connecticut

M. takes family law matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

General cases in Hartford, Connecticut

M. takes general matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Hartford, Connecticut

M. takes government matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Hartford, Connecticut

M. takes insurance matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Hartford, Connecticut

M. takes litigation matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

Biography

M. Paula Silva, family law attorney serving Hartford

M. Paula Silva is an attorney based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Government. M. has over 26 years of legal experience. M. works from Hartford, Connecticut and takes on family law matters across the region.

M. Paula Silva is a lawyer practicing general practice, trial practice, insurance and 9 other areas of law. M. Paula received a B.S. degree from University of Hartford in 1994, and has been licensed for 26 years. M. Paula practices in Hartford, CT.

M.'s approach to family law cases

M. Paula Silva is a lawyer practicing general practice, trial practice, insurance and 9 other areas of law. M. Paula received a B.S. degree from University of Hartford in 1994, and has been licensed for 26 years. M. Paula practices in Hartford, CT.

Clients M. works with

M. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, general, and government matters in Hartford and the surrounding Connecticut area.

Credentials

Credentials — where M. studied and practices

Western New England College
J.D. · 2000
University of Hartford
B.S. · 1994

Jurisdictions

M.'s state bar admissions

Connecticut
2000 · ACTIVE

M. studied at J.D. in Western New England College and B.S. in University of Hartford.

Law school and academic background

M. completed J.D. in Western New England College and B.S. in University of Hartford. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice M. runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

M. Paula Silva's office in Hartford

M.'s primary office is at Hartford Square North, Ten Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT, 06106-5123. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hartford Square North, Ten Columbus Boulevard

Hartford, CT 06106-5123

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of M. Paula Silva

M. has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with M. Paula Silva can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire M. Paula Silva — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with M. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

M. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain M.'s office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; M. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Hartford, Connecticut

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for M.

M. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. M. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

M.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about M. Paula Silva

How much does it cost to hire M. for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. M. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does M. offer a free consultation?
M. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain M.'s office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check M.'s current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. M. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can M. take my case if I'm outside Hartford?
M. is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — M. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with M.?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. M. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is M. accepting new family law clients right now?
M.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Connecticut residents in the last few months, answered by family law attorneys like M. Paula Silva. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I request a domestic violence restraining order in Hawaii?
I've been in an abusive relationship and I live in Hawaii. I’m terrified for my safety and need to know if I can file for a domestic violence restraining order. What steps do I nee
1 verified answer · Family Law · Hawaii
Are verbal agreements enforceable in New York custody cases?
I had an informal verbal agreement with my ex about custody arrangements for our son, but now she wants to change it. I live in New York, and I’m not sure if this verbal agreement
1 verified answer · Family Law · New York
How do I enforce a child support order in Michigan?
My ex-husband hasn’t paid child support in over three months, and I’m in Michigan. I’m at my wit's end trying to support our two kids and need to know how I can enforce our child s
1 verified answer · Family Law · Michigan
What is the process for adopting a child in Illinois?
My partner and I want to adopt a child in Illinois, and we’re excited but overwhelmed by the process. We’re unsure about what paperwork we need to file and how long the entire proc
1 verified answer · Family Law · Illinois
How is child custody determined in Ohio?
I’m going through a tough divorce in Ohio, and my ex and I are already arguing about custody of our 9-year-old daughter. I want to have a clear understanding of how custody is dete
1 verified answer · Family Law · Ohio
How does military divorce differ in Virginia?
My spouse is in the military and we’re starting the divorce process in Virginia. I’m concerned about how the laws differ from a civilian divorce and what unique factors I need to c
1 verified answer · Family Law · Virginia

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Hartford, Stamford and New Haven in Connecticut

M. handles family law matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.

M. Paula Silva, Family Law Attorney in Hartford, Connecticut

Quick answer

M.'s practice areas in Hartford