Boston Divorce Attorneys

About Us

The Law Offices of Lucas M.

• 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 Andover.  Feel free to contact us in order to help us understand a little more about your situation.

The firm’s founder, Attorney Lucas M. leads the firm out of the Boston region, as well as traveling each week to MFLG’s offices in Plymouth or on Cape Cod. 

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 , 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 Andover 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 Plymouth or on Cape Cod, 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 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 Andover, our divorce lawyers and family law attorneys are available for no-obligation consultations in Plymouth and on Cape Cod.  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

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Meet Our Team

• Lucas M. , Founder & Lead Attorney
• Maria Rivera-Ortiz, Senior Attorney
• Sarah De Oliveira, Associate
• Joseph E. Mullin, Associate
• Leila J. Wons, Associate
• Rita DeMilia, Director of Operations
• Lorraine Luongo, Office Manager & Paralegal
• Renee Mahoney, Senior Paralegal 
• Cara Sotirkys, Paralegal
• Margie Tromp-Milas, Paralegal

Lucas M.

FOUNDER & LEAD ATTORNEY

Lucas M. , 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 says. “On any given day I could be dealing with fathers’ rights in custody and parenting plans in Worcester or child support on the Cape or in any of our six offices across Massachusetts.”

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

Attorney exhibits straight-forwardness and integrity in a field often ridiculed as being populated with vultures preying on the weak. One client said, “Lucas 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 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. 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, , 47, 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 , you know you’re in trouble. Thorough and brutal when he needs to be, 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 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 logged more than 30,000 miles on Massachusetts highways traveling to and from offices in Norwood, Andover, Plymouth and on Cape Cod. 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, Lucas 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 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 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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Sarah De Oliveira

ASSOCIATE

An upbeat attitude, a watchdog for the child’s best interest and a keen eye in applying the Child Support Guidelines are the hallmarks of Attorney Sarah De Oliveira’s representation.

Representing the Massachusetts Family Law Group in Middlesex, Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk Counties, Attorney De Oliveira not only addresses the current needs of a child, but she looks ahead to see what implications a ruling made today might have in the child’s life years from now.

Beyond those issues relating to children and support, Attorney De Oliveira has become well-known as an advocate when it comes to both pursuing and defending restraining orders and other domestic violence matters.  Clearly, her experience with the District Attorney’s Office gave her that edge and if you were to ask a handful of divorce lawyers from Middlesex or Suffolk County about the next generation of top domestic relations attorneys, the name Sarah De Oliveira quickly surfaces.

Those who know her best claim she brings brainpower as well as firepower to each of her cases.  Yet she is accessible, engaged, and interested in every case.  A tough-minded graduate of Suffolk University Law School, Sarah has emerged as one of the aces of the Massachusetts bar.

Attorney De Oliveira speaks Portuguese and will gladly talk to her Brazilian, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean clients in their native language.  She is an active member of the Women’s Bar Foundation and the Boston Bar Association.

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Joseph E. Mullin

ASSOCIATE

Attorney Mullin attended Providence College (B.A., cum laude, 1996) and Suffolk University Law School (J.D. 2001) and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2002.  He was admitted to the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts in 2008. 

Before joining MFLG, Joe established himself as a zealous advocate in both Plymouth County and Barnstable County relating to contested divorce matters, custody and parenting plans, abuse prevention orders and support collection (especially in those cases where the Department of Revenue is involved). 

Providing his clients with value-added services, Attorney Mullin also represents clients in ancillary matters that they may encounter during the divorce process such as estate planning and drafting QDRO’s (qualified domestic relations orders) in order to transfer pension or retirement assets pursuant to a divorce judgment. 

From 2002 – 2006, Joe worked as an attorney for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Child Support Enforcement Unit, where he assisted custodial parents in the establishment of paternity and support orders, and modification and enforcement of those orders.  Prior to that, Joe prosecuted cases for both the Barnstable and Plymouth District Attorney offices. 

Attorney Mullin is a member of the Barnstable County, Massachusetts, American and Quincy Bar Associations, and is an elected member of the Town of Mashpee Planning Board.

One of the strongest advantages Joe – or any of the family law attorneys from MFLG – offers is the typical hour-long consultation and analysis that starts with our asking, “Why are you here, and what can we do for you?”  That’s when the divorce lawyers and family law team gets to work.  They not only hold their clients’ hands through the process, they call clients on their birthdays, know their hobbies, and even like to suggest books to read.
           
MFLG’s team of attorneys and paralegals in Southern Massachusetts insist that their clients develop a divorce plan or strategy, and “take charge” of their case.  The first homework assignment is simple:  “Copy documents.  Go through the household papers and make copies of everything you can find…tax returns, bank statements, check registers, investment and retirement account statements, employee benefit handbooks and more.”

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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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Rita DeMilia

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

In developing The Massachusetts Family Law Group, Attorney Lucas M. 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 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 was impressed with her desire, and ability, to work under enormous pressure to produce results.  On her first interview, 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 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 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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Lorraine Luongo

OFFICE MANAGER & PARALEGAL

With over 15 years of service to the legal community, Lorraine Luongo serves as both Office Manager and Paralegal at The Massachusetts Family Law Group.

Prior to joining the firm, Lorraine spent over six years at Andrew P. Palmer and Associates in Norwell working in the Domestic Relations, Estate Planning and Real Estate divisions. 

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Renee Mahoney

SENIOR PARALEGAL

Renee Mahoney joined The Massachusetts Family Law Group in 2007, bringing with her the reputation as one of the brightest minds in the legal community.  Undoubtedly, her hard work, commitment, and endless series of victories paid off when Attorney named her Senior Paralegal and asked her to lead the paralegal team as MFLG continues to expand.

Her area of practice is domestic relations where emotions run high and clients are living through the worst time of their lives, and Renee insists she finds the practice very satisfying.

Renee is an essential part of the firm helping clients get through the Pre-Filing stage, money matters and sensitive issues relating to children and divorce.

Starting her day at 6am, Renee is the often the first voice to greet clients.  One thing is for certain – she’s the only one who volunteers to help Attorney each morning with his routine of tracking where all the attorneys are, reminding him of where he has to go himself and reassuring him that “everything will be just fine!” 

Her favorite part of the job is helping clients and sharing Attorney ’s divorce secrets for women.

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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 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 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.

Thank you for providing this information.  We will get back to you as quickly as possible.  Please rest assured all information we receive will be kept strictly confidential.