Boston Divorce Attorneys

About Us

The Law Offices of Irwin M. Pollack

• About the Firm
• Meet Our Team
• Fees & Costs
• Contact our Boston Divorce Attorneys
• Schedule an appointment

About the Firm

The Boston region of The Massachusetts Family Law Group has offices conveniently located in Norwood and Woburn.  Feel free to contact us in order to help us understand a little more about your situation.

The firm’s founder, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack leads the firm out of the Boston region, as well as traveling each week to MFLG’s offices in Worcester, Springfield, and Plymouth. 

Whether you may need contested or uncontested divorce advice, or you just want an idea of how to manage your divorce like it’s a business, let us help you understand how we can help you through your current situation.  Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

To learn more about the type of representation we offer relating to divorce and family law, download our worksheets, go to our Child Support Calculator or view our quick links on divorce planning, lawyers & fees, the divorce process, an overview on custody and visitation, discovery, settlement points or post-divorce issues.

Attorney Pollack, a divorced parent himself, founded the firm to enable men and women of medium-to-high net worth develop strategies for getting what they want and deserve in their divorces. 

MFLG and its team offer experienced lawyers, paralegals, and staff who will take the time to explain thoroughly your rights and options so you can make the best choices for you and your family.  Whether you decide to resolve your situation through discussions, negotiated settlements, or in the courts, we will support you through these difficult decisions and represent you tirelessly and zealously.

From its inception, MFLG has helped hundreds of individuals, from business owners, professionals, and executives to employees from some of the areas largest companies and organizations. Our work involves complex divorce actions, as well as cases involving child custody and parenting plans, support issues, business valuations, property division, and same-sex issues relating to divorce.  

As you begin the divorce process, one of the first steps is to hire an attorney.  The next step is to learn “ The Big Picture of Divorce in Massachusetts.”

To learn more about how we can help you, the breadth and depth of our experience in family law, our service philosophy, and the professionals in our Norwood and Woburn family law offices, contact us.

Here’s the A-List of why clients ask us to represent them in their Massachusetts divorce and family law matters – and why we hope you will, too!

1. Early, Late and Weekend Appointments Available.  During the week, we start the day at 5 o’clock making it easy for you to see us before you go to work.  Similarly, we’re also known to have early evening meetings – as late as 7:30 p.m. Others choose not to miss school, work or even evening social time.  Accordingly, we offer appointments exclusively on Saturday and Sunday!  Just call us – during the week – for a weekend appointment.

2. A Truly Unique Approach – “You are In Charge of Your Case.”  We involve our clients and give them an active role in their case.  Since family law matters are so fact intensive, we partner with our clients to achieve the maximum result:  we know the law and you know the facts (the story of your marriage).  Between us, we’ll achieve the best result in getting you what’s rightfully yours!

3. Family Law Expertise:  Lawyers, much like physicians and other professionals, are highly targeted in those areas in which they practice.  Our firm focuses over ninety percent of our practice on family law-related matters. Further, we target divorce, custody and support matters.  Just as you would not seek the advice of a dentist for a fractured leg or foot, you should not seek a general practice lawyer to deal with your complex divorce.  Although some attorneys try to be “jacks of all trades,” the simple truth is that the legal profession is highly specialized in today’s world.
   
   
4. Lawyer’s Home Phone Number:  Our lawyers are not your everyday attorneys.  We take helping our clients very seriously.  In fact, we are so intent on helping get our clients to the next stage in their lives that we’re willing to take client calls day or night.  All of the team members at MFLG share the same round-the-clock attitude.  Even if you’re working with our team in Worcester, Springfield, or Plymouth, you’ll be able to reach us – 24/7/365.  Now how’s that for lawyer’s hours?
   
   
5. Extreme Sensitivity Relating to Children and Divorce:  As parents ourselves, the attorneys believe that children deserve to be protected in a divorce, not treated like an asset to be traded or bargained for.  Beyond our client-exclusive CD program, “Transitioning Children Through Divorce,” we focus on educating parents on the effects of divorce on children and make it a top priority to educate them on how to put their children’s needs first.  We can’t protect your children’s hearts, but we can protect their rights.
   
   
6. Empathy:  Any attorney can tell you how he or she “understands what you’re going through,” but only Attorney Pollack and his staff attorneys truly do understand.  Most have been through the system themselves.  Having counsel who have “been there and done that” truly gives you an edge. 
   
   
7. Tenacity:  When your case cannot be easily solved, we will fight hard and use all our legal resources to win.  Unlike other firms or solo-practitioners, we have no fear of the courtroom and regularly achieve the best possible outcome – even when faced with the best attorneys in the nation.

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 our offices in Norwood and Woburn, our divorce lawyers and family law attorneys are available for no-obligation consultations in Worcester, Springfield, 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 $250 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 November 2007.  These may differ based upon the simplicity or complexity of your individual case:

• Our most common retainer for contested divorces range from $4,500, when working with the entire team, to $15,000, in those cases where the client is working exclusively with Attorney Pollack and his Senior Paralegal.
  
  
• 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 $4,000 to $7,500.

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Contact our Boston 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.