Few family law issues are more important than determining where a child will live and how major decisions affecting the child’s life will be made. Whether you are establishing custody for the first time or involved in a contested custody dispute, these decisions can have a lasting impact on both parents and children.

Massachusetts courts decide custody matters based on the child’s best interests, considering the unique circumstances of every family. No two cases are alike, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I work closely with parents to understand their goals, explain the legal process, and develop practical strategies designed to protect both their parental rights and their children’s well-being.

Whether your case can be resolved through negotiation or requires litigation, I provide thoughtful guidance, thorough preparation, and strong advocacy throughout every stage of the custody process.

In Massachusetts, child custody generally involves two separate issues:

Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to a parent’s authority to make major decisions regarding a child’s education, medical and  religious upbringing. Depending on the circumstances, legal custody may be awarded jointly to both parents or solely to one parent.

Physical Custody

Physical custody determines where a child primarily resides and how parenting time is shared between the parents. Physical custody arrangements vary based on the unique needs of each family and may include shared or primary physical custody.

Massachusetts courts make custody decisions based on the child’s best interests. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the court may consider factors including:

Every custody case is unique, and the court evaluates the totality of the circumstances rather than relying on any single factor.

I represent parents in a wide range of custody matters, including:

Yes. Custody orders may be modified when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances and the proposed modification is in the child’s best interests.

If your family’s circumstances have changed since the original custody order was entered, you may be able to seek a modification through the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.

Custody disputes often involve some of the most difficult decisions parents will ever face. These cases require thoughtful preparation, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of both the legal issues and the practical realities facing families.

For more than 15 years, I have represented parents throughout Massachusetts in child custody matters ranging from negotiated parenting agreements to complex, high-conflict litigation. I work closely with every client to develop practical strategies tailored to their family’s unique circumstances while remaining focused on protecting children’s best interests.

Whether negotiating a resolution or advocating in court, my goal is to help clients make informed decisions while providing steady guidance through every stage of the process.