About Us

1. About the Firm
2. Meet Our Team
3. Fees & Costs
4. Contact Us
5. Schedule an appointment

About the Firm

Knowledgeable, prepared, non-judgmental and committed to achieving the most favorable legal outcome.  These are some of the words used by fellow attorneys and former clients to describe the Worcester-based divorce lawyers and family law attorneys from The Massachusetts Family Law Group.

MFLG's Central Massachusetts office is located just across the street from the Worcester Probate and Family Court.  No matter what you seek - Worcester divorce help, a Dudley divorce attorney, Uxbridge divorce law firm, Fitchburg divorce, Gardner divorce lawyers, Marlborough divorce attorneys, or help affiliated with a Westborough divorce or Shrewsbury family law matter…we offer caring divorce advice for men or women, and you can  contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.

Our practice includes advice and representation in matters involving contested divorce, paternity, custody and parenting plans, property distribution, father’s rights, modifications, contempt issues, and even zealous defense against the Department of Revenue (DOR) and Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

The first stop on the path to divorce is to usually hire an attorney, but you may find that you need other resources, too – to help heal your heart, protect your finances, or focus on the best interest of your children.  To assist you, our firm’s network includes therapists, forensic accountants, tax specialists, computer experts and other experts who you may need to help you prove your case.

Early on, The Massachusetts Family Law Group was established to enable men and women of medium-to-high net worth develop strategies for getting what they want and deserve in their divorces.  The legal strategies, rules, general advice and belief systems they focus on may not be advocated by all lawyers, but the attorneys’ bottom-line philosophy keeps them focused on one thing:  informing their clients of the psychological and strategic steps that can be used to convince any spouse – or a judge – that they deserve a larger share of the divorce pie.

If you are contemplating divorce or are currently involved in the process, undoubtedly you fear failure and the unknown. You are not alone.  If you don’t know where to start or what to do, contact us. 

Our divorce lawyers and family law attorneys are zealous advocates and have each been before most, if not all, of the judges who sit in Worcester County.

If you are looking for a less expensive “cookie cutter” approach to divorce, you will not find it at The Massachusetts Family Law Group.  Our Founder, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack and the staff attorneys believe that every marriage, as well as every divorce situation, is unique and therefore deserves to be handled strategically.  Like the pieces of a puzzle, the attorneys handle each piece and strategically interlock it with the others until they get the fairest resolution in any case.

As the go-to lawyers for anybody facing divorce in Central Massachusetts, many insist that Attorney Pollack and Senior Attorney Maria M. Rivera-Ortiz take domestic relations law to a new level. Each has interviewed hundreds of divorced men and women and pride themselves on the firm’s unique quality of helping their clients “take charge” of their case, get them what they deserve, and move on to the next stage of their life.

To educate yourself about family law, download Attorney Pollack’s Special Report, “ The Massachusetts Divorce Handbook.”  Next, download our worksheets to help you manage your case.  If you’re want to keep going, go to our quick link section of the website to learn about divorce planning, lawyers and fees, the divorce process, and overview of custody and visitation, discovery, the settlement process or post-divorce issues.

Clients of The Massachusetts Family Law Group come from all walks of life.  The attorneys have successfully represented business owners, athletes, moms, dads, celebrities, professionals, senior citizens and even young children throughout Massachusetts and across New England.

Attorney Pollack and his team have built their remarkable reputation largely on a willingness to step on toes, unapologetically challenge a spouse’s answers, and undertake bold and imaginative strategies to enhance their clients’ chances of success. 

Talk to any member of the firm and you’ll hear a consistent answer:  they claim that their role is that of a guided hand to protect their clients.   It saddens each one of them to think that clients, who may experienced so much pain, might walk away from their marriage with less than they deserve because another attorney may have chosen the path of least resistance.

When it comes to finances, one of the things that set MFLG apart from other law firms that handle divorce is that they get answers.  Attorney Pollack says, “People come to us because they want to know the truth about marital conduct and finances.  They want to know what happened and who was responsible.  They don’t want it swept under the rug.”

Through the discovery phase of litigation, MFLG’s Worcester team is the clear-cut leader amongst the five other teams of the firm.  The lawyers are master strategists and they dig deep.  Subpoenas.  Interrogatories.  Depositions.  Business valuation.  Production of documents and even forensic experts.  Until an attorney is satisfied that they have the truth, they keep going.    Attorney Pollack insists, “People come to our Worcester team because we zealously represent our clients and push until we get to the bottom line.”
 
The perseverance in discovering the truth is critical because, until you uncover all the evidence relating to each party’s conduct, and the 20 other factors relating to the marital history, you may never be able to persuade the court why you should get the larger share of the marital estate.

When the dispute relates to the best interest of the parties’ children, clients who come to MFLG want their interests aggressively championed, as well as those of their children.
As a divorced parent himself, Attorney Pollack insists that if it weren’t for the children, he’d probably find himself in anther profession.

If you’ve given your marriage every opportunity to work, but it’s time to file for divorce, our aggressive attorneys are ready to help you serve the complaint, work out custody and visitation issues, obtain protection from violence and even work out asset and debt division. 

On the other hand, if you’ve just been served, our family lawyers are devoted to helping both men and women in difficult circumstances and emotional turmoil as they reluctantly face divorce and the often-associated matters of separation. 

We also have a team devoted to seeking and defending against Complaints for Modification as well.  When circumstances have changed and it’s time to revise your divorce agreement, contact us.

We are not only dedicated to providing exceptional legal services, but MFLG puts quality client service as a top priority.  To ensure that our priorities are met, we have implemented the following client service goals:

• Same day return of phone calls by either Senior Attorneys, attorneys or staff
• Multiple offices throughout Massachusetts
• Attorneys have hand-held, e-mail access
• Same day consultations available
• After-hour phone access to attorneys
• Detailed billing statements, twice monthly
• Major credit card payment options

Contact us for no-obligation consultation.  During the week, our first appointments begin at 5AM and we’ll also meet clients over the weekend.

Beyond Worcester, our other offices are in Springfield, Woburn, Norwood, and Plymouth.  No matter which of the 351 cities or towns of Massachusetts you live in, there’s an office of The Massachusetts Family Law Group to serve you.  Contact Us.

Our sister-firm, Massachusetts Flat-Fee Divorce Attorneys provides a wide range of services relating to uncontested divorce – for a guaranteed price. 

If you’d like to learn more, go to the FAQ section of our site.  To reduce costs, reduce your stress, reduce time and save your kids, contact us or call (800) 910-DIVORCE. 

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Meet Our Team

• Irwin M. Pollack, Founder & Lead Attorney
• Maria Rivera-Ortiz, Senior Attorney
• Andy P. Miller, Associate
• Amy Huff, Associate Attorney
• Leila J. Wons, Associate
• Clarissa Wright, Associate Attorney
• Scott W. Niemisto, Associate Attorney
• Rita DeMilia, Director of Operations
• Cara Sotirkys, Paralegal
• Margie Tromp-Milas, Paralegal

Irwin M. Pollack

FOUNDER & LEAD ATTORNEY

Irwin M. Pollack, the founding partner of The Massachusetts Family Law Group, is a focused and goal-oriented strategic thinker who works on cases of contested divorce, business matters involving asset values of $1,000,000 or more, child custody cases (helping clients with both custody risk factors and evaluations), modifications, and issues relating to reducing alimony and imputing income to voluntarily underemployed spouses.

Ask him and he’ll tell you that one of the most appealing aspects of family law is the variety it offers. “Every case is different,” Attorney Pollack says. “On any given day I could be dealing with fathers’ rights in Boston, custody and parenting plans in Worcester or child support in Plymouth or in any of our six offices across Massachusetts.”

An unwavering advocate for his clients, Attorney Pollack would rather divide assets than assign blame for a failed marriage. Many millionaire divorces end-up in his hands.  Some say that Pollack’s commitment to fathers’ rights is unmatched; he’s the first person anyone with divorce, support or custody issues should seek out.

Attorney Pollack exhibits straight-forwardness and integrity in a field often ridiculed as being populated with vultures preying on the weak. One client said, “Irwin is extremely kind, competent, and caring.  He actually bills honest hours, does not run up the bill, and finds the right strategy for the problem.”

Attorney Pollack has two qualities that clients like – he’s relatively inexpensive in comparison to most, and he doesn’t waste time. His philosophy is to resolve cases in the most cost-efficient manner and still achieve a reasonable objective. Pollack regularly rejects cases he considers outlandish, such as that of the father who traveled 200 days a year and wanted to file for sole custody.

His billing rate – $325 an hour – is considerably less than you might pay for legal fees at a large Boston law firm. His past clients rave about how this adjunct faculty member from The Massachusetts School of Law at Andover shares divorce secrets with clients, offers invaluable advice such as the importance of and is quick to sum up a case and, unlike many of his better-known peers, settles cases with ease.

A guy with street smarts who went through a messy divorce himself, Pollack, 48, knows the game. Nine times out of ten, he tries to reduce the animosity between the parties and settle the case amicably, for the long-term benefit of his client. But if the other party is unreasonable or unrealistic about their expectations, he is just as able to take them to court where he’ll act as a strong, faithful advocate for his client. He is able to change gears between personal compassion and toughness whenever necessary.

If your spouse walks into a deposition with Attorney Pollack, you know you’re in trouble. Thorough and brutal when he needs to be, Pollack can be one of the most feared divorce lawyers across Massachusetts.  He has an impressive business background and spots hidden assets and family-owned business problems in divorce in record time. 

The verdict on him is split among fellow attorneys – those who work cooperatively claim how he’s reasonable, while those who are contentious by nature dread having to deal with him or the most common motions he files in court.  

Clients worship him. In nasty divorces where parties want blood, most of his clients come away satisfied especially as it relates to how divorce effects children, cases where one parent wants to move away, allegations of abuse or drug use or those associated with bad mouthing, bashing and brainwashing from a former spouse.

Working hand-in-hand with each of the firm’s attorneys, Attorney Pollack begins client conferences as early as 5 o’clock each morning and has been known to meet clients over the weekend when necessary. He represents clients in each of the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts.

During the past year, Attorney Pollack logged more than 30,000 miles on Massachusetts highways traveling to and from offices in Norwood, Woburn, Worcester, Springfield, and Plymouth. He appeared before 31 Probate and Family Court judges and seven First Justices. He has appeared in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly and Boston Magazine. He’s been heard on radio stations across the Commonwealth and produced two different CD programs relating to divorce and child custody-related matters. 

As a young boy growing up in Los Angeles, Irwin spent his summer vacations taking public transportation to courtrooms to watch trials. It was a form of entertainment at the time, but it sowed the seeds of interest in a man who has become fast on his feet, a quick study of small business and entrepreneurship, and fiercely determined.

Attorney Pollack is member in good standing of both the Massachusetts and Connecticut Bars.

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Maria M. Rivera-Ortiz

SENIOR ATTORNEY

Maria M. Rivera-Ortiz is a Senior Attorney with The Massachusetts Family Law Group.  In her distinguished role, Attorney Rivera-Ortiz not only manages all of the firm’s efforts in Worcester and Western Massachusetts, but she also serves as coach and mentor to each of the Associates in the firm.  Prior to joining MFLG, Attorney Rivera-Ortiz was an attorney in the Family Law Unit by the Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts and also an Assistant District Attorney for Worcester County prosecuting domestic violence cases. 

Quite often, prospective clients come to Maria when questions arise about alimony and spousal support.  Attorney Rivera-Ortiz gives prospective clients the bottom line:  “Alimony gets treated differently from child support on your tax return.  Alimony is tax deductible to the person who pays it, and included in the taxable income of the person who receives it.  Child support, by contrast, is not taxable to the person who receives it and not tax deductible to the person who pays it.  That means that when you and your spouse have dramatically different incomes, there may be some tax advantages to using alimony, even if a judge in Worcester, Springfield or Northampton wouldn’t ordinarily award it.”

A good portion of Maria’s clients find her as they contemplate a change in attorneys.  She makes her position clear:  “If your divorce is not progressing the way you had hoped, or you’re frustrated with the lack of communication between you and your lawyer, you do have a right to make a change.  You do not want to choose your lawyer lightly, but you are not obligated to stay where your needs are not being met.”  As the word spreads about Maria’s stellar client service, she beams like a Christmas tree saying, “Getting my clients to the next stage of their life is Priority Number One to me!”

As a graduate of Boston College and Suffolk University Law School, Attorney Rivera-Ortiz is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and the federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court.  She is an active member of the Worcester Bar Association.

Attorney Rivera-Ortiz offers an important advantage to her Spanish-speaking clients.  When you come to Maria’s office, you can speak directly with your lawyer in your native language, rather than through a translator.

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Amy Huff was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in December 2004 after graduating magna cum laude from Suffolk University Law School with a joint law degree and Master's in Public Administration.  She interned with Cervizzi & Associates in early 2004 then joined the firm as a legal assistant and subsequently as an Associate. She is also a Dean's List graduate of Emerson College with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

As a family law practitioner, Amy has extensive experience with divorce, paternity, custody, modification and restraining order cases. In addition, her expertise includes the negotiation and drafting of antenuptial agreements.

Applying the "best interest of the child" standard, Amy helps her clients with issues relating to custody and parenting plans.  Knowing how the courts are likely to assign a family service officer, guardian ad litem, parenting coordinator, or a combination depending on your circumstances, Attorney Huff does her best in helping the parties work toward agreement in order to avoid unnecessary judicial intervention.

When it comes to proposing an equitable distribution of her client's marital estate, Attorney Huff often consults with forensic accountants and other like experts to ensure all available assets from pensions and investments to real estate and business interests are properly indentified, valued and distributed under the law.  

Prior to family law, Amy had a successful career in nonprofit fundraising, including heading up her own fundraising consulting firm.

Leila Wons

ASSOCIATE

Attorney Wons comes to the firm after building a solid foundation of insight and skill in the domestic relations field, having worked at The Law Offices of Eileen D. Agnes, Gillis & Bikofsky, P.C., Mulvey, Sneider & Freyman, P.C. and as a Legal Intern for the Honorable Justice Spencer Kagan at the Middlesex Probate & Family Court in Cambridge.

When it comes to custody cases, Attorney Wons emphasizes doing what is best for the child, even if that means encouraging clients to set aside their differences in order to more efficiently resolve the matter. She stresses the importance of working with clients to help them make the most informed decisions possible in regards to the welfare of their children.  Leila firmly believes that with proper guidance and information, parents can put their contested divorce issues behind them and reach positive resolutions regarding the parenting of their children.

Having conducted in-depth legal research into Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender rights, Attorney Wons is especially interested and passionate in working with same-sex couples in their domestic relations matters.  She understands the emotional impact of divorce on a family, but is particularly sensitive to the financial hurdles that face same-sex couples.

Her practice has an international flavor. This Wellesley College graduate and Merit Scholar from Northeastern University School of Law has a knack for working out solutions between warring parties of all nationalities – she is able to communicate with clients in four different languages.

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Andy P. Miller

ASSOCIATE

Attorney Andy Miller is our rising star, handling a wide variety of cases including  contested divorce matters,  custody and parenting plans,  restraining orders and  modifications.

Beyond divorce-related matters, Attorney Miller handles  paternity matters – those where he represents parents who never married, but who have all the same custody rights and financial obligations under Massachusetts law as parents who are divorced. He’ll arrange DNA testing and assists clients through the  court process with an eye toward protecting the rights of his clients in line with the best interests of the child.

As a father himself, Andy is also a strong advocate for  father’s rights as he guides clients with  child support issues through the extra twists and turns of the Department of Revenue.

Clients, opposing litigants and attorneys have often complimented Andy for his attention to detail and preparedness in the courtroom. Despite his ability to successfully try cases, he is frequently able to cost-effectively resolve disputes in a manner favorable to his clients through negotiation. You’ll find that once Attorney Miller accepts responsibility for your case, he’ll continue to provide you with the appropriate guidance – all the while making certain you are protected to the fullest extent of the law. He offers confidence and peace of mind during a very stressful time and empowers his clients to make informed decisions about their future.

While Attorney Miller has a long-standing history with  The Massachusetts Family Law Group and  Massachusetts Flat-Fee Divorce Attorneys from its inception, he most recently established a strong solo practice which flourished based on Andy’s superb reputation from Worcester to Boston, and Salem to Plymouth and Barnstable Counties.

Attorney Miller is a member of the Boston, Massachusetts, and American Bar Associations.

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Clarissa Wright

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Attorney Clarissa Wright is a highly sought after divorce lawyer and family law attorney in Springfield, MA and Western Massachusetts.  Each action that Clarissa takes puts the needs of the parties' children first.  Most concerning to her is that these children, who are too often caught in the middle of their parents divorce, move forward with the least amount of disruption as possible.

A strategist at heart, Attorney Wright always focuses on resolution.  If a negotiated settlement is the goal, she takes that path.  If the need is to aggressively take the case into court, Clarissa moves ahead in that regard, while avoiding tactics that unnecessarily add to the costs of litigation.

Prior to joining The Massachusetts Family Law Group, Clarissa worked for the Worcester County District Attorney's Office, where she held positions of increasing responsibility.  Prior to working for the Commonwealth, she was a solo practitioner and worked for Worcester Legal Services.

While in school, Clarissa Wright's professors and mentors always directed her toward a law degree due to her "tenacious argumentative" skills and "natural ability to present issues in a logical fashion."

Attorney Wright is a zealous advocate for those affected by domestic violence and approaches her work upon years of experience handling spousal abuse claims.  If you are in fear of abuse, Clarissa can help you obtain a restraining order and address the ramifications domestic abuse can have upon child custody and child support issues. 

Additionally, Clarissa Wright provides highly effective legal representation for fathers in both divorce and paternity matters.  In certain parental alienation situations, Clarissa's tireless and relentless pursuit of turning a case around to favor the father has become her mantra in both the Hampden County and Hampshire County Probate and Family Courts.

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At the beginning of the divorce process, the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court process seems cold and confusing.  Additionally, the ramifications of your first court appearance can be serious.  That's why Attorney Niemisto insists on being a zealous advocate for his clients from the first time they step into his office and start preparing for their Temporary Orders hearing.  When it comes to defining the issues of interim child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), use of the marital home, use of vehicles, allocation of debt and the like, Scott emphasizes how this critical stage of any divorce matter may have a lasting effect upon the future permanent orders of the Court.

A sizable portion Scott's practice is dedicated to research and articles on family law topics.   This enhances his ability to litigate family law cases at the trial level and keeps him abreast of the latest trends in family law practice and leads to a greater appreciation of the factual and legal issues that need to be addressed in a typical family court trial. 

Scott also serves as attorney for both sides of any paternity matter.  If you are a mother seeking to establish paternity and the father does not dispute he is the biological parent, Attorney Niemisto will petition the court to obtain financial information and determine the proper child support obligation.  If you are the father, Scott will commence proceedings to establish your parental rights and obligations, including a parenting plan which is in the best interest of the child.

Scott Niemisto completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and is a law school graduate from New England School of Law.

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Rita DeMilia

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

In developing The Massachusetts Family Law Group, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack knew the firm needed a leader on the inside who would be considered the rock star of the firm, complete with adoring employees, treasured clients and, in some cases, the ability to stand up to him and convince him that he should handle the law and clients on the outside while somebody should navigate the business on the inside.

When Rita DeMilia joined the firm, Attorney Pollack announced her arrival by saying, “Throughout history, certain people have plied their knowledge of business to help others learn the ins and outs of success.  They’ve stepped inside companies to offer wisdom about time management, human relations, slashing costs, or motivating the troops.  While law firms have yet to be run as businesses first, MFLG must be a leader in this arena, and when it comes to Rita DeMilia’s track record, she’s going to help our lawyers, clients and business model make it to the top.”

Rita has an impressive 20 year background in business management.  And while her background is in the manufacturing and distribution industries, Attorney Pollack was impressed with her desire, and ability, to work under enormous pressure to produce results.  On her first interview, Pollack remembers how Rita said, “Anything – an idea, a tool, a word – that can keep us ahead of the pack is fair game.”

On a daily basis, Rita admits that she gets paid to analyze complex situations and recommend a course of action.  On top of that, Attorney Pollack wants answers, not a long story.  He and the firm focus on courses of action and solutions they can implement tomorrow, not a 300 page book.  That’s why Rita DeMilia was put at the top of the pack.

Having been through the divorce process herself, and being a single mother of two young children, Rita was both intrigued and touched by the fact that Attorney Pollack puts the best interest of the children first.  Somewhere throughout every day, you will hear her say, “Don’t forget, it’s all about the children!”

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Cara Sotirkys

PARALEGAL

It should be no surprise that Cara Sotirkys was chosen to assist the paralegals, orchestrate the satellite offices and help build the Domestic Relations Procedure division for The Massachusetts Family Law Group. Once the lawyers and paralegals heard about Cara’s desire to work in a fast-paced environment and help people, she quickly became the candidate the hiring committee put at the top of the list.

Cara is no stranger to divorce, family law, or any aspect of domestic relations. She spent four years at another firm before becoming a Case Specialist for the Plymouth Probate & Family Court.

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Margie Tromp-Milas

PARALEGAL

Bringing over 23 years of paralegal skills to the Massachusetts Family Law Group, Margie Tromp Milas orchestrates the Western Massachusetts region on behalf of Senior Attorney Maria Rivera-Ortiz. Beyond her depth in family law, Margie brings a long resume and track record in matters relating to Corporate Law, Estate and Tax Planning, and Estate, Guardianship and Conservatorship Administration. Margie received her Associate of Science degree and Paralegal Certificate from Bentley College in Waltham. Prior to MFLG, Margie worked at Broude & Hochberg, LLP in Boston and Bowditch & Dewey in Worcester.

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Fees & Costs

When you contact us for a consultation, we will provide you with our best estimate of the range of legal fees based on your answers to several simple questions. 

The old axiom that you get what you pay for is often true with regard to attorneys.  You may find attorneys that charge a little bit less per hour than others, but have limited experience.  Attorneys who have less experience often spend more time on a case, thus you may spend as much or even more for a less experienced attorney.  On the other hand, you should not have to pay exorbitant fees for quality representation.

Before we begin representation, we require a retainer and a signed fee agreement.  The client is charged between $225 and $325 per hour.  If and when the retainer is close to being depleted, we may require an additional retainer if it appears the case has become more time consuming than initially anticipated or is still progressing through the process of getting ready for trial.  Of course, where it is appropriate, we will seek to have the other party reimburse you for your attorney’s fees. 

The fees include all consultations between you, the client, and our firm including phone calls, meetings, email, and any other contact.  The fee further includes all of the fees often itemized by other firms including postage, fax and photocopy charges.

These retainer ranges are effective as of October 2006.  These may differ based upon the simplicity or complexity of your individual case:

• Our most common retainer for contested divorce ranges from $3,500 to $7,500.
• For divorces with custody disputes, matters which have already had substantial legal proceedings, are set already for trial, or matters involving complex assets or business valuations, our retainer range begins at $8,000 and could be substantially higher.
• In post-judgment cases where you need representation as you go back-to-court, our retainer ranges from $3,000 to $5,500.

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Contact our Worcester Divorce Attorneys

Learn what you might face in your divorce and how to get control of the process before it happens.  There are specific things you can do – right now – to protect your future.

How Can We Help You?

Although Massachusetts Rules of Conduct prevent Attorney Pollack from giving you any legal advice until we are formally retained, we will be happy to discuss your case or meet with you regarding your Massachusetts family law matter.  If you would like to schedule an hour-long, no-obligation consultation, please complete this form as fully as possible and forward the information requested below.  We need this information to understand your individual situation.  Please be assured all information we receive will be kept strictly confidential.