Family Law, Divorce, and Domestic Violence Attorney in MA & RI
Strategic, compassionate family law representation in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Family legal matters can be overwhelming. Divorce, custody disputes, and domestic violence situations often involve emotional stress, financial concerns, and the well-being of children. Having the right legal guidance can make a critical difference.
I represent individuals and families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island family courts, providing strategic and compassionate representation in divorce, child custody disputes, restraining order proceedings, and child welfare cases.
My goal is to protect your rights, provide clarity during difficult situations, and help you move forward with confidence.
Divorce
Contested and uncontested divorce, property division, alimony, and post-divorce modifications. I guide clients through every stage of the process.
Child Custody & Support
Legal and physical custody, parenting plans, child support, and enforcement of court orders. I help parents create stable arrangements that protect their children.
Domestic Violence
209A abuse prevention orders, restraining orders, emergency orders, and cases where domestic violence intersects with divorce or custody proceedings.
Pet Custody
Dog ownership and pet custody disputes after a relationship ends. I help clients resolve disagreements about who gets the keep the family pet.
Divorce Lawyer in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Divorce can impact every aspect of your life — from finances to parenting time. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, it is important to have an experienced Massachusetts and Rhode Island divorce attorney guiding you through the process.
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- Separation agreements
- Property division
- Alimony and spousal support
- Child support modifications
- Complaints for contempt
- Enforcement of court orders
- Modification of custody and parenting plans
- Modification of support orders
- Post-divorce modification of alimony or financial orders
What to Expect: The Divorce Process
The divorce process can feel uncertain, especially if you have never been involved in family court before. While every case is different, most divorces in Massachusetts and Rhode Island follow a similar general path.
Filing the Case
A divorce begins when one party files a Complaint for Divorce with the appropriate court and the other party is formally served.
Temporary Court Orders
The court may issue temporary orders addressing immediate issues such as custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, or responsibility for household expenses while the case is pending.
Financial Disclosures
Both parties exchange financial information so that issues involving property division, support, and financial obligations can be properly evaluated.
Negotiation or Settlement
Many cases are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or a separation agreement without the need for a full trial.
Court Decision or Final Agreement
If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the court may decide the remaining issues. Once finalized, the court enters a judgment of divorce.
Whether your case is straightforward or involves more complex issues such as custody disputes, restraining orders, or financial disagreements, I work with clients throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island to help them understand their options and move through the divorce process with clarity and confidence.
Domestic Violence Considerations in Divorce
Issues involving domestic violence or restraining orders can significantly affect divorce and custody proceedings. Courts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island take these allegations seriously, and they can influence decisions regarding parenting time, custody, and protective orders.
How I Help
I represent clients involved in divorce cases that intersect with:
- Massachusetts 209A Abuse Prevention Orders
- Rhode Island restraining orders
- Emergency orders
- Domestic assault allegations affecting custody or divorce proceedings
Background in Crisis & Child Welfare
Before entering private practice, I spent more than ten years with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), including time working as a social worker. In that role, I worked closely with families facing domestic violence, abuse allegations, and serious child welfare concerns.
I also worked with young women in Rhode Island's juvenile justice system who had experienced significant trauma, including abuse, exploitation, and unstable family environments.
This background continues to shape my approach when representing clients in divorce, restraining order, and high-conflict custody cases. Effective representation requires not only strong legal advocacy but also an understanding of the real challenges people face during difficult transitions.
Child Custody and Child Support
When parents separate, determining custody and parenting arrangements can be one of the most difficult aspects of a family law case. Courts in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island focus on the best interests of the child, but navigating custody and support laws can be complicated.
- Legal and physical custody disputes
- Parenting plans and visitation schedules
- Child support establishment and modification
- Enforcement of custody and support orders
- High-conflict custody cases
- Paternity
My goal is to help parents create stable arrangements that support children while protecting parental rights.
Collaborative Representation
Attorney Joseph DeStefano — Of Counsel
In certain divorce and custody matters, clients benefit from a team approach. I work with Attorney Joseph DeStefano, who serves as Of Counsel to the Law Office of Meaghan H. Fiske and brings nearly 30 years of experience handling family law cases in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
When appropriate, our collaboration allows clients to have two experienced attorneys working together to develop strategy and navigate complex divorce and custody issues.
Pet Custody and Dog Ownership Disputes
For many people, pets are part of the family. Dogs and other companion animals often hold deep emotional value. However, under Massachusetts law, pets are legally treated as personal property.
This becomes important when unmarried couples separate and disagree about who keeps the dog or other pet. Unlike child custody matters, Massachusetts courts do not apply a "best interests" standard to animals. Instead, the dispute is treated as a property ownership issue.
In deciding ownership, courts may consider factors such as:
- Who purchased or adopted the pet
- Whether the pet was a gift to one party
- Who primarily cared for the animal
- Whether one person owned the pet before the relationship
- Whether either party mistreated or neglected the animal
Although the law classifies pets as property, disputes involving dogs and other animals can become highly emotional and sometimes involve significant financial stakes, particularly when substantial money has been invested in the animal.
I represent individuals involved in dog ownership and pet custody disputes in Massachusetts, helping clients resolve disagreements about who legally owns a pet after a relationship ends. My goal is to protect my client's legal ownership rights while recognizing the importance these animals often hold in people's lives.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're facing a divorce, custody dispute, restraining order, or any family law matter in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, I'm here to help.
Schedule a Consultation