Why You Need an Experienced Massachusetts Family Law Attorney on Your Side

Why You Need an Experienced Massachusetts Family Law Attorney on Your Side

If you’re facing divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, or guardianship in Massachusetts, hiring an experienced family law attorney helps you protect your rights and reach a fair, durable outcome. Massachusetts family law covers issues like divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and guardianship (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208 for divorce and support, ch. 210 for adoption, and ch. 190B for guardianship). A skilled family law attorney does more than file paperwork and appear in court. They offer practical advice, thoughtful advocacy, and a strategy built around protecting your rights and your future.

Quick Guide: Benefits of a Massachusetts Family Law Attorney

Key Takeaways

• Massachusetts uses equitable distribution for property division which is fair, however not necessarily equal
• Custody decisions follow the “best interests of the child” standard
• Skilled courtroom advocacy is critical when needed, even if 
• A Massachusetts family law attorney can protect your rights, secure restraining orders, and guide you every step of the way

Will my attorney help me stay focused when emotions run high?

Yes. Your lawyer keeps decisions aligned with long-term goals, not short-term frustration.

• Reframes choices around durable outcomes
• Flags legal/financial risks of reactive moves
• Uses a step-by-step plan to keep you on track

How will my attorney respond when unexpected issues arise?

By adapting quickly to protect your rights and position.

• Updates strategy and filings as facts change
• Seeks or opposes temporary orders as needed
• Adjusts negotiation posture to maintain leverage

Can my attorney help me obtain a restraining order in Massachusetts?

Yes. Counsel can pursue a 209A protective order under Massachusetts law (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 209A, as amended Sept. 18, 2024).

• Files for emergency/temporary orders when appropriate
• Coordinates safety planning and court logistics
• Seeks safety-focused parenting terms and exchanges

How will my attorney assert my legal rights in family court?

By applying Massachusetts law to your facts and building a tailored plan.

• Property division: advocacy under M.G.L. ch. 208, § 34 (equitable distribution)
• Custody/support: positions your case using best-interests and financial factors
• Uses motions, discovery, and negotiation to secure enforceable outcomes

How does an experienced attorney bring clarity to difficult cases?

Through objective analysis and courtroom insight.

• Identifies which evidence actually moves the judge
• Prioritizes high-impact issues and remedies
• Translates complex legal/financial points into plain English

Will my attorney advocate for my child’s best interests?

Yes. Massachusetts courts apply the best-interests standard M.G.L. ch. 208, § 31;Custody of Kali, 439 Mass. 834 (2003).

• Gathers school/medical records and caregiver evidence
• Proposes stable, child-centered parenting schedules
• Addresses continuity, safety, and each parent–child relationship

Do good family law attorneys keep improving their advocacy skills?

Yes. Ongoing education strengthens strategy and results.

• Tracks case law, legislative updates, and local court practices
• Incorporates new rules into case plans
• Explains practical impacts so you know what to expect

Will my attorney respect the unique dynamics of my family?

Yes. Strategy is tailored to your values and circumstances.

• Considers work schedules, school needs, and caregiving realities
• Balances firmness in court with compassion for your family
• Focuses on solutions that minimize disruption

Can my attorney give a voice to clients who feel unheard?

Yes. Skilled counsel presents your perspective clearly and credibly.

• Represents homemakers in high-asset divorces and complex discovery
• Advocates for grandparents and kin in guardianship matters
• Elevates key facts with affidavits, exhibits, and testimony

Will my attorney help me prepare for life after court?

Yes. Good attorneys equip you for the next chapter.

• Provides checklists for post-judgment tasks and compliance
• Offers referrals (financial planning, counseling, co-parenting resources)
• Builds parenting/support terms you can realistically follow

How do I choose the right Massachusetts family law attorney?

Look for experience and fit.

• Significant Probate & Family Court experience
• Comfort with complex financial issues when relevant
• Clear communication, realistic timelines, and transparent fees
• A concrete plan tailored to your goals and risks

Do you serve Middlesex and Essex counties?

Yes. We represent clients across Middlesex and Essex from offices in Tewksbury and Danvers.
Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation today.

FAQs:

1) Do Massachusetts family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, adoption, guardianship, and modifications to court orders?
Yes. These matters are typically filed in the Massachusetts Probate & Family Court.

• Divorce & alimony
• Child custody & child support
• Adoption
• Guardianship
• Modifications to existing court orders

2) Is child custody in Massachusetts decided by the “best interests of the child” standard?
Yes. Judges apply the best-interests standard.

• Needs of the child (health, education, development)
• Stability (home, school, routine, continuity)
• Relationship with each parent and each parent’s involvement
  Authority: M.G.L. ch. 208, § 31; Custody of Kali, 439 Mass. 834 (2003).

3) Is Massachusetts a 50/50 property state?
No. Massachusetts uses equitable distribution under M.G.L. ch. 208, § 34. Judges divide assets fairly, not automatically equally, considering factors like marriage length, income, needs, and contributions.

4) Will I have to go to court on a family law case?
Not necessarily. Most cases settle through negotiation or mediation. If agreement isn’t possible, the case is heard by a Probate & Family Court judge.

Ready to speak with a Massachusetts family law attorney?

Yes. At Wright Family Law Group, we focus on family law and financial issues, working to empower our clients through difficult times. We serve clients in Middlesex and Essex counties and are centrally located in Tewksbury and Danvers near Route 495, Route 95 and Route 93. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

What to bring to your consultation checklist

• Tax returns (2 years) and pay stubs (3 months)
• Bank/retirement statements and mortgage info
• Proposed parenting schedule + school details
• Prior orders such as divorce, custody, or 209A

Adapted and updated by Jen Zane, Legal Writer. Reviewed for legal accuracy by Ellen Wright, Esq. General information based on Massachusetts law; not legal advice. Outcomes depend on facts. For advice, consult an attorney. Updated: August 2025.