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 Andover.  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, 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 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 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 Worcester, Springfield, 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 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 Andover, our divorce lawyers and family law attorneys are available for no-obligation consultations in Worcester, Springfield, 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

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
• Christopher J. Phelan, Senior Attorney
• Leila J. Wons, Associate
• Andy P. Miller, Associate
• Renee K. Mahoney, Associate
• Rita DeMilia, Director of Operations
• Shawna Carr, Office Manager & Accounting Clerk  
• 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 on the Cape 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, 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 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, Andover, Worcester, Springfield, 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, 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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Christopher J. Phelan

SENIOR ATTORNEY

Christopher Phelan is uniquely capable and effective in his ability to handle contested divorce, uncontested divorce, paternity, domestic abuse, and support matters.  He is well-respected throughout the family law community for his integrity, courtroom skills, and his commitment to his clients.

As a father, Attorney Phelan knows how much our children mean to us and how parenting issues affect us all.  It is his life experience, personal involvement in the family community in Southern Massachusetts that make Attorney Phelan a sought after family lawyer for those who want a positive result for themselves and their loved ones.  He practices family law just as it sounds – in the interest of the family.

It is important to note, however, that although Chris is sensitive to the needs of all those involved he works tirelessly for his clients and has a reputation as a tough and successful legal force in Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol and Barnstable Counties. 

The firm’s founder, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack says, “We met Chris last year when he was the opposing attorney in a case.  He was a tough opponent, exceptionally well-prepared, respected by the court, and – like us – an unwavering advocate for his client.  He understood how to develop case strategy and execute it effectively – he was and is a real pro.  We knew he belonged in our firm, and we had the good fortune of successfully recruiting him here.  Now he is a valued member of our family and is, in my opinion, one of the better attorneys in the business.  He is at the top of his game.”

Attorney Phelan has been known to stay in very close contact with every one of his clients, especially those who are in need of his guided hand.  Armed with every conceivable communication device known for staying in close client contact, current and former clients will attest to the fact that it is not unusual for Chris to e-mail at odd hours of the morning or night, and during weekends.

Chris attended Suffolk Law School, lives on the South Shore and is a huge sports fan.

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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Renee K. Mahoney

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Renee Mahoney would rather help more clients resolve their cases than work continuously with fewer clients who are locked in never-ending battles. With her mediation skills and collaborative approach, Attorney Mahoney has the determination moral fortitude to search for creative ways to reduce conflict between parties. When litigation becomes the only means to accomplish her goals, a review of Renee’s focused strategies and favorite motions explain why clients rave (and opposing counsel cringe) whether she represents clients in custody and parenting plan matters, support and alimony cases or those relating to modification or enforcement of prior court orders.

From the time her new divorce clients first decide to leave their spouse or begin their pre-divorce planning, Attorney Mahoney is attentive and involved. She provides her clients support when the time comes to explain divorce to children or approach their first court appearance. Whether working with her clients to reach a settlement agreement or helping them through the divorce process, Attorney Mahoney provides solid representation.

Renee Mahoney joined the firm in its early stages and has been an integral part of its growth and success ever since. After completing the Graduate Degree Program at Western New England College, she earned her law degree from New England Law-Boston. Renee is active in many organizations throughout the legal community including Volunteer Lawyer’s Project and Senior Partners for Justice.

A divorced parent and single mother herself, Attorney Mahoney understands the challenges involved in parenting children especially during the first stages of divorce.

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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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Shawna Carr

OFFICE MANAGER & ACCOUNTING CLERK

Shawna Carr is the Office Manager for the firm’s Norwood office. In her role, Ms. Carr is responsible for providing administrative and facilities management, along with acting as liaison between firm management and the legal team. Additionally, Shawna is responsible for the billing, daily office functions, and all aspects of the tracking and accountability of the firm’s daily procedures. She assists the attorneys with special projects including trial preparation in child custody and 209A restraining order matters.

Given her legal background, it should be no surprise that Shawna was chosen as the newest addition to The Massachusetts Family Law Group and Massachusetts Flat-Fee Divorce Attorneys. She has an impressive track record in the legal community, not to mention her impressive credentials as a graduate from Gibbs College of Boston with her concentration in Legal Studies.

Her desire to learn and grow, along with her "team player" attitude propelled Shawna to the top of the list in 2008 when she first met with Director of Operations, Rita DeMilia. Clients find that Shawna brings a wealth of knowledge to her multiple roles and can be counted on to deal with any problem for the client, large or small.

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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.

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.